US Warns Russia Of Crippling Sanctions If It Invades Ukraine

Measures Being Mulled Include Disconnecting Moscow From Global Banking Systems & Denying Russian Energy Producers Access to Financial Markets

- Chidanand Rajghatta

Washington: The greetings at the top of the meeting were convivial enough. Video footage released by Kremlin showed US President Joe Biden and Russia’s President Vladimir Putin exchange wide smiles and warm opening words as they met virtually on Tuesday. But outside of the velvety civility, there was little doubt that iron fists were bared. The outcome of the talks was expressed in measured tones by a White House readout that said President Biden “voiced the deep concerns of the US and our European Allies about Russia’s escalation of forces surrounding Ukraine and made clear that the US and our allies would respond with strong economic and other measures in the event of military escalation.”