When Vladimir Putin assumed power in 1999, he immediately sent the Russian military into Chechnya. For more than 20 years, Putin has repeatedly looked to the military to strengthen his rule.
Biden told Putin in a call that if Russia invades Ukraine, the U.S. and allies would apply painful economic sanctions, said Jake Sullivan, Biden's national security adviser.
In a scheduled video call Tuesday with the Russian president, Biden will outline economic sanctions and stepped-up support for NATO allies if Russia invades, a senior administration official says.
Ukrainians have watched the U.S. exit from Afghanistan with dismay and are desperate to hear reassurance of support as President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visits Washington, two former U.S. diplomats write.
Russia says it will begin a phased reduction of troops from its border with neighboring Ukraine – apparently ending a standoff that had alarmed Kyiv and Western observers.
Volodymyr Zelenskiy, who announced Monday he'd tested positive for the coronavirus, has been taken to a Kyiv hospital. A spokeswoman says his symptoms are "nothing serious."
A standoff ends with the gunman releasing all 13 hostages unharmed after Volodymyr Zelenskiy posts a video to social media saying, "Everyone should watch the 2005 film Earthlings."