What would happen if Russia used chemical or biological weapons in Ukraine?

In the final declaration of their summit meeting in Brussels, the NATO countries threatened the country with "serious consequences" without specifying this.

US President Joe Biden also kept a low profile, but his warning sounded harsher.

"We will respond if he (Vladimir Putin) uses it and the type of response depends on the type of use." Biden thus at least left open whether it could also be a military response.

This has so far been ruled out internally at NATO.

Thomas Gutschker

Political correspondent for the European Union, NATO and the Benelux countries based in Brussels.

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The US President announced in Brussels that the United States would impose sanctions on more than 400 Russians and Russian organizations, including oligarchs and those members of the Duma who called on Putin to annex Donbass.

This was done in coordination with the European Union, which had imposed entry and property bans on the same group of people.

The goal of the sanctions isn't deterrence, Biden said, but "to increase the pain."

The measures against Russia must therefore be maintained.

“Not just next month, the following month, but for the rest of the year.

That's what will stop him.” Putin shouldn't think that the allies will be divided within a month or two.

Rather, one must remain united and show the whole world "what a monster this guy is".

Biden was convinced that Vladimir Putin wanted to split NATO.

"I'm deadly serious: I think that was his intention from the start," said the American President.

"He would rather face 30 independent countries than 30 united countries." Therefore nothing is more important than maintaining the unity of the allies in NATO, the European Union and the group of seven leading democratic economic powers (G7).

"It is the most important thing we can do to stop this man who we in our country believe has already committed war crimes."

When asked if he was in favor of expelling Russia from the G-20, the club of the most important developed and emerging countries, Biden said: “My answer is yes.” But that depends on the G-20, “Indonesia and others "I don't agree with that.

This also applies to China.

However, Biden suggested inviting Ukraine to the meetings.