While issuing the order to keep nuclear weapons ready for use, Putin cited aggressive statements from The NATO allies.
On Sunday, The US and the NATO allies condemned Russia for putting nuclear weapons on high alert. They called Putin’s order unacceptable and dangerous. The White House said that if Russian aggression continues to increase, it will impose new sanctions on the energy sector of Russia.
Russian President Vladimir Putin cited ‘aggressive statements’ from The NATO allies and sanctions imposed on Russia by the West in issuing the order to prepare Russia’s nuclear weapon for use as soon as possible.
Linda Thomas Greenfield, Ambassador of the United States to the UN, told in CBS’s ‘Face the Nation’ programme that Putin’s actions are the reason for increased tension in the region and his step is unacceptable. “The US was continuing to look at new and harsher measures against the Russians,” said Greenfield.
On the condition of anonymity, a senior United States defence official said that Putin’s order was “putting in play forces that, if there is a miscalculation, could make things much-much more dangerous “. He was trying to figure out what Putin meant by “intangible terms”.
Jen Stoltenberg, NATO General Secretary, called Putin’s order aggressive and irresponsible. “We have seen him do this time and time again. At no point has Russia been under threat of NATO, has Russia been under threat from Ukraine,” remarked Jen Psaki, Press secretary at White House. Psaki criticized Putin and said that the Russian President responded to an imaginary threat.
The US asks China to join against Russia
Psaki informed that the US had not taken steps against Russia’s energy sector. “But we also want to do that and make sure we are minimizing the impact on the global market and do it in a United Way,” said Jen Psaki.
The US has excluded Russia’s energy sector because sanctions on this sector can potentially raise the energy and gas prices in the United States. When the US and the NATO allies sanctioned top Russian banks in SWIFT on Saturday, it allowed them to have energy-related transactions. At present, gas prices are already at an all-time high.
The Biden administration has also appealed to China to issue a formal condemnation of Russian Military Operation in Ukraine. “This is not a time to stand on the sidelines. This is the time to be vocal and condemn the actions of President Putin and Russia invading a sovereign country.”
Earlier on Friday, Wang Yi, Foreign Minister of China, said that China respects countries’ sovereignty. But Putin’s allegations about the eastward expansion of NATO are valid and must be adequately addressed.
In American Congress, both Republicans and the Democrats support the efforts made by the Biden administration against Russia. However, the tone of Republicans is very harsh for Putin.
Last week, the US sent aid of $350 Million to Ukraine. On Sunday, US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken announced additional humanitarian assistance of $54 Million to help the people of Ukraine suffering due to the Russian invasion. “This includes the provision of food, safe drinking water, shelter, emergency healthcare, winterization and protection”, said Blinken. Senator Chuck Schumer has requested an additional aid of $6.4 Billion in the White House.
On Monday, the United Nations also organized two emergency meetings to address the invasion of Russia in Ukraine.
Edited By- Mahi Gupta
Published By- Pawan Rajput
