Biden Imposes Harsh New Sanctions On Russia After Attack On Ukraine

President Joe Biden issued additional sanctions on Thursday following Russia’s “unprovoked and unjustified attack” on Ukraine.

“The prayers of the entire world are with the people of Ukraine tonight as they suffer an unprovoked and unjustified attack by Russian military forces,” Biden said in a statement released by the White House on Wednesday night.

“President [Vladimir] Putin has chosen a premeditated war that will bring a catastrophic loss of life and human suffering. Russia alone is responsible for the death and destruction this attack will bring, and the United States and its Allies and partners will respond in a united and decisive way. The world will hold Russia accountable,” he added.

After ordering sanctions targeting two major Russian banks, cutting off Moscow from Western finances and sending additional American troops to surrounding countries on Tuesday, Biden is expected to impose new penalties including Russia’s VTB Bank, cutting off Russia from U.S. technologies and sanctioning more prominent Russians in Putin’s inner circle.

The sanctions follow Russia’s Thursday morning attack on Ukraine. Russian troops crossed the border and explosions could be heard in cities all over Ukraine including the capital Kyiv, Kharkiv and Odessa.

“We will coordinate with our NATO Allies to ensure a strong, united response that deters any aggression against the Alliance,” Biden said. “Tonight, Jill and I are praying for the brave and proud people of Ukraine.”

Biden has promised that he will not send U.S. troops to fight in Ukraine, but that the U.S. will instead aid Ukraine in supplying weapons and sending support in the form of additional troops to surrounding NATO members Germany, Romania and Poland.