What would happen if Russia used chemical or biological weapons in Ukraine? In the final declaration of the summit in Brussels, NATO countries threatened the country with “serious consequences”, without specifying it. US President Joe Biden was also unobtrusive, but his warning was harsher. “We will answer if he (Vladimir Putin) uses it, and the type of answer depends on the type of use.” So Biden at least left open the question of whether this could also be a military response. Until now, this has been internally excluded in NATO.
Thomas Gutschker
Political correspondent for the European Union, NATO and the Benelux countries, based in Brussels.
The US president announced in Brussels that the United States would impose sanctions on over 400 Russians and Russian organizations, including oligarchs and members of the Duma who called on Putin to annex Donbas. This was done in coordination with the European Union, which imposed entry and property bans on the same group of people.
The purpose of the sanctions is not to deter, Biden said, but to “increase the pain.” Therefore, measures against Russia must be maintained. “Not only next month, next month, but for the rest of the year. It will stop him. Putin should not think that the allies will be divided in a month or two. Rather, you have to stay united and show the whole world “what a monster this guy is.”
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Biden was convinced that Vladimir Putin wanted to divide NATO. “I am deadly serious: I think that was his intention from the beginning,” said the American president. “He would rather face 30 independent states than 30 united states.” Therefore, nothing is more important than maintaining the unity of allies in NATO, the European Union and the group of seven leading democratic economic powers (G7). “This is the most important thing we can do to stop this man who we believe has already committed war crimes in our country.”
When asked if he was in favor of excluding Russia from the G20, the club’s major developed and emerging nations, Biden replied, “My answer is yes.” But it depends on the G20, “Indonesia and others.” I don’t agree with that. This also applies to China. Biden, however, offered to invite Ukraine to the meetings.