- There will be massive consequences for Russia
if it renews its aggression,
by which I mean economic, financial,
and other consequences,
as well as NATO almost certainly having to reinforce
its positions on its eastern flank near Russia,
as well as continuing to provide defensive assistance to Ukraine.
We are looking at taking steps
that we have not taken in the past
and that the consequences for Russia would be severe.
And that's something that President Putin's
going to have to factor into his calculus.
- What about moving heavy US weaponry
out of Poland, moving it further west?
Or what about moving missiles?
What about limiting the scope of US military exercise?
Are any of those on the table?
- Look -- first, Jake, I don't think we're gonna see
any breakthroughs in the coming week.
We're gonna be able to put things on the table.
The Russians will do the same,
both directly with us, at NATO, at the OSCE,
and we'll see if there are grounds for moving forward.
- We also have to make it very clear to Mr Putin
that his antics right now in and around Ukraine are unacceptable,
which means that if additional sanctions
have to be imposed to send that message,
that would be appropriate.
Nord Stream 2 is one example of a place
where we could do that now.
The president has the authority to do so.
And I think sending a message to Mr Putin
that he's gonna get a lot more accomplished using diplomatic
means rather than threatening to invade
is something that we should be very, very firm about.
- Do you think an invasion of Ukraine is likely?
- Look --
I can't tell you whether it's likely or not.
I can tell you this.
We're committed to dialogue and diplomacy to see
if we can resolve these challenges peacefully.
That is by far the preferable course.
It's by far the most responsible course.
But equally we're prepared to deal very resolutely with Russia
if it chooses confrontation, if it chooses aggression.