Russia-Ukraine updates: US to ban Russian carriers from its airspace

Biden will announce the news in his State of the Union address, a source said.

Russian forces are continuing their attempted push through Ukraine from multiple directions, while Ukrainians, led by President Volodymr Zelenskyy, are putting up "stiff resistance," according to U.S. officials.

The attack began Feb. 24 as Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a "special military operation."

Russians moving from Belarus towards Ukraine's capital, Kyiv, don't appear to have advanced closer towards the city since coming within about 20 miles, although smaller advanced groups have been fighting gun battles with Ukrainian forces inside the capital since at least Friday.

Russia has been met by sanctions from the U.S., Canada and countries throughout Europe, targeting Russia's economy and Putin himself.


0

Blinken convenes French, German, UK counterparts

In another attempt to signal Western unity, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken held a call with his British, French and German counterparts after speaking with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov Tuesday morning, the U.S. Department of State confirmed.

The four foreign ministers discussed their coordinated "implementation of the massive consequences and severe costs to be imposed if Russia invades Ukraine," Blinken spokesperson Ned Price said in a statement.

In addition, Blinken's deputy, Wendy Sherman, spoke with her British, French, German and Italian counterparts Tuesday, the State Department said.

-ABC News' Conor Finnegan


Senate leadership issues bipartisan statement in support of Ukraine

Following President Joe Biden's remarks Tuesday, Senate leaders released a bipartisan statement of support for Ukraine that included a stark warning for Russia.

In the event of an invasion in Ukraine, "Russia must be made to pay a severe price," said the statement, which was released by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, along with the leaders of several Senate committees.

Lawmakers would support "immediate imposition of strong, robust, and effective sanctions on Russia, as well as tough restrictions and controls on exports to Russia" in the event of an invasion, the statement said.

The senators noted that U.S. troops "stand ready" to enforce the security of Eastern allies and will "respond decisively to Russian efforts to undermine the security of the United States at home and abroad."

-ABC News' Allison Pecorin


Biden addresses American public on importance of Ukraine

President Joe Biden warned the American people that any conflict over Ukraine with Russia would not be "painless" at home either, particularly when it comes to energy prices, although he said his administration is taking active steps to try to prevent any disruption.

"To be clear, if Russia decides to invade, that would also have consequences here at home. But the American people understand that defending democracy and liberty is never without cost," Biden said. "I will not pretend this will be painless. There could be impact on our energy prices, so we're taking active steps to alleviate the pressure on our own energy markets and offset raising prices," he added.

The president went on to explain why he felt the situation justifies U.S. involvement, saying that "this is about more than just Russia and Ukraine."

"It's about standing for what we believe in, for the future that we want for our world, for liberty, for liberty, the right of countless countries to choose their own destiny. And the right of people to determine their own futures, or the principle that a country can't change its neighbor's borders by force," Biden said. "If we do not stand for freedom where it is at risk today, we'll surely pay a steeper price tomorrow."

Biden also reiterated his administration's call for all Americans to depart Ukraine "now -- before it's too late to leave safely," and speaking directly to the Russian people, said they were "not the enemy."

"I do not believe you want a bloody destructive war and Ukraine, a country and people with whom you share deep ties of family, history and culture," he said.

-ABC News' Molly Nagle and Sarah Kolinovsky


Biden warns Putin of 'self-inflicted wound' if Russia invades Ukraine

President Joe Biden warned Russian President Vladimir Putin in remarks from the White House on Tuesday that if Russia invades Ukraine, the U.S. is prepared to respond decisively and in unison with NATO allies.

"If Russia attacks Ukraine, it would be a war of choice or a war without cause or a reason. I say these things not to provoke but to speak the truth. Because the truth matters. Accountability matters," Biden said, drawing a distinction between the circumstances now and seen in WWII.

Biden said if Russia invades in the days or weeks ahead, the human costs for Ukraine and strategic cost for Russia would be "immense" -- and acknowledged Americans "would also have consequences here at home" if the energy market is hit.

"If Russia attacks Ukraine, it will be met with overwhelming international condemnation," Biden said. "The world will not forget that Russia chose needless death and destruction. Invading Ukraine will prove to be a self-inflicted wound. The United States and our allies and partners will respond decisively. The West is united and galvanized."

He added, "Defending democracy and liberty is never without cost."