Russia deployed troops into two breakaway regions in Ukraine, representing “an invasion” of the country, according to the Biden administration.
“We think this is, yes, the beginning of an invasion, Russia’s latest invasion into Ukraine,” White House principal deputy national security adviser Jonathan Finer said in a CNN appearance, per The Hill.
“And you are already seeing the beginning of our response that we have said will be swift and severe.”
Finer said the Biden administration plans to issue more sanctions in response to Russia’s aggression, which would “go directly at Russia.”
“An invasion is an invasion, and that is underway,” he said.
In terms of sanctions, Finer said “they will be significant” and imposed in waves if Russia continues “down a path toward war.”
“This will be our severe and swift sanctions response to a Russian invasion and we will retain the right to impose additional steps, additional sanctions, if Russia continues to move forward.”
