President Biden said Friday that he is “convinced” Russian President Vladimir Putin has made the decision to invade Ukraine, telling reporters that he believes Russia will “target the capital city of Kyev.”
“As of this moment, I’m confident he has made the decision,” Biden said. “We have reason to believe that.”
Following two “vital calls” on Friday, one with members of Congress and the other with European leaders, Biden said the “overwhelming message on both calls was one of determination, unity, and resolve,” but ultimately he believes an invasion is imminent.
Noting that “Russian troops have Ukraine surrounded,” Biden said American officials believe Russia will target Ukraine’s capital city Kyev.
Biden said the western front remains “united and resolved” amid the ongoing tension at Ukraine’s border.
Asked whether “diplomacy is off the table,” Biden said, “No, until he does [invade], diplomacy is always a possibility.”
Biden told reporters Thursday that he expected Putin to invade Ukraine in the “next several days.”
“They have not moved any of their troops out, they’ve moved more troops in, number one,” Biden said. “Number two, we have reason to believe that they are engaged in a false flag operation to have an excuse to go in.”
“Every indication we have is they’re prepared to go into Ukraine, attack Ukraine,” Biden added, noting that a “diplomatic path is still available before the deadline.”