Biden: Any entry of Russian soldiers into Ukraine is an "invasion"

US President Joe Biden stressed Thursday that any entry of Russian forces into Ukraine would be considered an "invasion", after hinting that a "limited" Russian attack on its neighbor would be met with a less severe response from NATO.

"If any group of Russian units moves on the Ukrainian border, that is an invasion," Biden said, adding that he was "absolutely clear" with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin.

"This will lead to a harsh and coordinated economic response that I have been talking about in detail with our allies," he added.

"Without a doubt, if Putin makes this choice, Russia will pay a heavy price," the Democratic president stressed.

The master of the White House noted that "this scenario is not the only one that must be prepared for. Russia has long experience of aggressive actions that are not an open military operation."


He pointed to "possible actions that may be carried out by Russian soldiers who are not wearing Russian military uniforms" and to possible "information attacks".

"We must be ready to respond to that also in a united and firm manner," he added.


Joe Biden sparked controversy on Wednesday when he spoke of the possibility of a "limited" Russian incursion into Ukraine.

"We want to remind the great powers that there are no limited incursions and small states, just as there are no limited victims and little grief over the loss of loved ones," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Twitter Thursday.

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