Russian annexations: Joe Biden promises to “defend every inch of NATO territory”

US President Joe Biden at the White House this Friday, September 30, 2022. AFP - BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI

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2 mins

After the formal annexation by Russia of territories it occupies in Ukraine, and the threatening rhetoric of Vladimir Putin, the reactions were numerous.

In the United States, it is firm.

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With our correspondent in Washington,

Eyes glued to the camera, index finger pointing forward, Joe Biden speaks directly to Vladimir Putin.

We are fully prepared to defend every square centimeter of NATO territory, insists the American president.

The United States will not be intimidated, he explains.

►Read again: “We are going to form four new Russian regions”, announces Vladimir Putin

The American response is firm.

It begins with new sanctions: against any person or entity who facilitates the annexation of territories claimed by Russia in Ukraine.

Existing sanctions then extended against Russian deputies or the head of the Central Bank of Russia.

Reinforced sanctions also against companies that facilitate the supply of the Russian war machine.

There will finally be an expansion of export controls.

And then undeniable aid: Congress will authorize almost 13 billion in additional aid to Ukraine.

Already this week, the United States has again announced more than a billion dollars of military equipment, bringing the total since the beginning of the war to more than 16 billion.

And it's not over.

The national security adviser expects further announcements next week.

Statement from the President of the United States this Friday, October 30.

The United States will never recognize that.

And quite frankly, the world won't recognize that either.

He can't take his neighbors' territory and get away with it.

It's that simple.

And we will stay the course.

We will continue to provide military equipment so that Ukraine can defend itself and its territory and its freedom.

And that includes the additional resources Congress is going to give me: $13 billion more to help Ukrainians defend themselves and fight back.

America is fully prepared with its NATO allies to defend every inch of NATO territory.

Every inch.

So Mr. Putin, make no mistake: every inch.

Ukraine: Joe Biden's warning to Vladimir Putin

Guillaume Naudin

►Read also: Russian annexations in Ukraine: the main reactions including that of kyiv

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• United States

• Joe Biden

• Ukraine

• Russia

• Vladimir Poutine