Ukrainian President’s Response To Biden’s Speech: “There Are No Minor Incursions And Small Nations”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky pointed out to President Joe Biden on Thursday that “there are no minor incursions and small nations” after the American president responded questionably about how he would respond to a Russian invasion of Ukraine.

During a press conference at the White House on Wednesday, Biden promised to hold Russia “accountable if it invades” Ukraine, however, he added that “it depends on what Russia does.”

“It’s one thing if it’s a minor incursion and we end up having to fight about what to do and not do, et cetera, but if they do what they are capable of doing with the forces massed on the border, it will be a disaster for Russia if they invade Ukraine,” Biden said.

The president’s response sparked a sharp reply from officials in Kyiv. The Ukrainian President issued a statement himself Thursday Morning speaking to Biden’s comments. “We want to remind the great powers that there are no minor incursions and small nations,” Zelensky said, referencing Biden’s earlier comments about a minor incursion. “Just as there are no minor casualties and little grief from the loss of loved ones. I say this as the President of great power.”

The White House backtracked following Biden’s press conference comments. National Security Council spokeswoman Emily Horne issued a statement Wednesday evening, saying the president “clarified this” and “was referring to the difference between military and non-military/para-military/cyber action by the Russians.”

“Such actions would be met by a reciprocal response, in coordination with Allies and partners,” Horne assured.

White House press secretary Jen Psaki also, issued a statement following the press conference claiming that Biden has been clear on where he stands.