‘It’s a World War’: US President Joe Biden says he won’t send troops to aid Americans to evacuate Ukraine.
Washington: Amid tensions between Moscow and Kyiv, US President Joe Biden on Thursday (February 10 2022) warned Americans living in Ukraine to quit the country right away and warned that the deployment of US troops to help with evacuation could mean “world conflict.”
“American citizens need to leave right immediately,” Biden said during an interview with NBC News.
“It’s not like we’re dealing with terrorists. We’re dealing with one of the most powerful armies in the world. So it’s a different story, and the situation could turn chaotic fast,” Biden said, according to an ANI report.
Biden conducted the interview. Biden was asked about what scenario might require US troops to be able to enter Ukraine to help evacuate Americans in case of emergency, to which Biden said, “There’s not. This is a war between Americans and Russia begin shooting at each other.”
A new warning was released from the US State Department urging Americans living in Ukraine to quit the country at the most convenient time, bolstering earlier warnings that urged residents to “consider” the possibility of leaving.
“Do avoid traveling to Ukraine because of the increasing threat of Russian military actions and Covid-19. Instead, those living in Ukraine should immediately leave via private or commercial methods.
If you are staying in Ukraine, take extra care due to the threat of crime and civil unrest, and possible military operations should Russia decide to take military action. Certain areas are at risk,” the advisory said on Thursday (local time).
On January 23 The State Department authorized the evacuation of US diplomats’ families and direct-hire employees.
In addition, the State Department also recommended that US citizens living in Ukraine should consider leaving immediately because of the unstable security situation.
In the meantime, the first contingent consisting of American troops belonging to the 82nd Airborne Division arrived in Poland on February 5 following Pentagon Media Secretary John Kirby’s announcement about 1,700 additional troops from the United States to be sent to Poland, Polish media reported.
In the past, Kirby said that the US would temporarily send additional troops to Europe due to the growing tensions between Europe and Russia.
The force includes 1,700 soldiers who will be transferred into Poland and 1,000 US personnel stationed within Germany to be moved to Romania.
An additional 8.500 personnel will “remain at the ready to move should it be needed by the NATO force to respond,” Kirby had said.
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