American citizens in Ukraine should 'leave now': Joe Biden | World News - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

American citizens in Ukraine should 'leave now': Joe Biden

AFP |
Feb 11, 2022 06:44 AM IST

Remarking that the US is dealing with one of the largest armies in the world (Russia), Biden warned that ‘things could go crazy quickly.’

US President Joe Biden on Thursday urged American citizens to leave Ukraine immediately, and warned about potential major conflict with Moscow should US and Russian troops engage each other on the ground.

US President Joe Biden. (File Photo)
US President Joe Biden. (File Photo)

"American citizens should leave, should leave now," Biden said in an interview with NBC News.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

Also Read | British PM Boris Johnson cites 'a dangerous moment' in Ukraine crisis

"We're dealing with one of the largest armies in the world. This is a very different situation and things could go crazy quickly," the president said.

Biden also reiterated that under no circumstances would he send US troops to Ukraine, even to rescue Americans in case of a Russian invasion.

"That's a world war. When Americans and Russians start shooting one another, we're in a very different world," he said.

Washington-Moscow tensions are at their highest since the Cold War, with some US estimates saying some 130,000 Russian soldiers are grouped in dozens of combat brigades near the border with Ukraine.

Also Read | Ukraine says European diplomatic push helping avert war

Western leaders have been conducting shuttle diplomacy in an effort to ease frayed nerves. But Biden's comments -- and the State Department also on Thursday renewing its warning for Americans citizens to leave -- are almost certain to ramp up tensions anew.

Biden however dismissed the scenario of having to rescue Americans in Ukraine, saying "how do you even find them?"

Also Read | Macron says obtained from Putin no 'escalation' on Ukraine

"What I'm hoping is that if (Russian President Vladimir Putin) is foolish enough to go in, he's smart enough not to in fact do anything that would negatively impact American citizens."

Biden said he would not have to tell that to Putin, adding: "he knows that."

 

Unlock a world of Benefits with HT! From insightful newsletters to real-time news alerts and a personalized news feed – it's all here, just a click away! - Login Now!

Get Latest World News along with Latest News from India at Hindustan Times.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Friday, March 29, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On