China News Service, February 23 (Guan Na Gantian) "This is the beginning of the invasion of Ukraine." US President Biden imposed new sanctions on Russia on the 22nd in response to Russian President Vladimir Putin's signature on the recognition of "the people of Donetsk" Republic” and Presidential Decree on the recognition of the “Luhansk People’s Republic”.

　　A White House spokesman said on the same day that although the U.S. government has not closed the door to diplomacy, the previously discussed U.S.-Russian presidential meeting has no plans.

On the other hand, the Russian Federation Council approved Russian President Vladimir Putin's request for the use of Russian armed forces abroad.

Biden: 'This is the beginning of the invasion of Ukraine'

　　Biden announced in the East Room of the White House on the 22nd local time that the United States will impose comprehensive blockade sanctions on Russia's state-owned Development Bank (VEB) and Promsvyazbank, the largest private bank engaged in defense transactions.

Biden said that means the Russian government will not be able to carry out lending transactions in the U.S. and European markets, nor will it be able to raise funds.

　　In his speech, Biden said that Putin's decision "was equal to carve up a large piece of land in Ukraine" and "found a reason for him to occupy more territory by force", and called it "the beginning of Russia's invasion of Ukraine."

　　Biden also said he had authorized the deployment of more U.S. troops and equipment to Europe to bolster defenses in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.

Data map: The White House of the United States.

U.S.-Russian Presidential Meeting Cancelled

　　White House spokesman Psaki said at a press conference on the 22nd local time that although the US government has not closed the door to diplomacy, the previously discussed US-Russian presidential meeting has no plans.

　　Psaki did not explicitly rule out a future meeting between the U.S. and Russian presidents, but said Biden would not meet Putin unless Russia de-escalates the situation in Ukraine by withdrawing its troops.

Data map: White House spokesman Psaki.

Photo by China News Agency reporter Chen Mengtong

　　“We will never completely close the door to diplomacy,” she told reporters. “Diplomacy cannot succeed unless Russia changes course.”

　　US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken has previously called off plans for talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov scheduled for February 24.

The meeting between the two was originally planned as a preparatory stage for top-level contacts.

Approved by the Russian Federation Council

Putin's request to use armed forces abroad

　　On the other hand, the Russian Federation Council (the upper house of parliament) on the 23rd approved Russian President Vladimir Putin's request for the use of Russian armed forces abroad.

　　RIA Novosti reported that Putin said, "We will fulfill our obligations when necessary."

Data map: The streets of Kiev, the capital of Ukraine.

　　On the 22nd local time, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky delivered a televised speech, announcing that he had signed a decree on the recruitment of reservists during special periods to improve the Ukrainian army's preparedness for all possible changes in the combat situation.

But he also said that there is no need for a general mobilization.

UK and EU announce sanctions

Germany suspends project approval

　　The EU issued a statement on the 22nd saying that it proposed to impose a package of sanctions on Russia, involving individuals, banks and entities importing and exporting in eastern Ukraine.

This means that hundreds of politicians and officials may be blacklisted.

　　British Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced sanctions on five Russian banks and three high-net-worth individuals in parliament on the same day.

File:British Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

　　Germany has not announced sanctions, but suspended the approval process for the Nord Stream 2 natural gas pipeline.

German Chancellor Scholz said the suspension of the approval process for the Nord Stream 2 project was only a "concrete" step, and more sanctions against Russia would follow.

Russian Foreign Minister: We are used to it

　　Russia has yet to respond to the latest sanctions announced by Biden, though earlier Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said the West would always impose sanctions no matter what happened.

Data map: Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.

　　"Our European, American, British colleagues will not stop, nor will they calm down, until they have exhausted all possible means of 'punishing Russia'. They are already threatening us with various forms of sanctions, or as they are now Said, 'the mother of all sanctions'," Lavrov said.

　　"Well, we're used to it. We know they're going to impose sanctions no matter what. With or without reason."