Biden and Harris Briefed on Russian Developments at White House
Biden-Harris Briefed on Developments in Russia as Crisis Escalates
In response to the recent events in Russia, the White House issued a statement confirming that President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris were briefed by national security teams. The severity of the situation prompted the attendance of top officials, including National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, Chief of Staff General Mark Milley, and US Permanent Representative to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield.
The briefing aimed to keep President Biden and Vice President Harris informed about the developments in Russia, ensuring that they remain up-to-date throughout the day. The gravity of the situation necessitated the involvement of key members of the administration to assess the ongoing crisis.
Meanwhile, President Biden engaged in telephone conversations with French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. During these discussions, the leaders expressed their unwavering support for Ukraine in light of the situation in Russia. The talks focused on addressing the crisis and finding ways to navigate the tense situation.
The escalation of the Wagner crisis dominated discussions, with Yevgeny Prigojin, the founder of the private security company Wagner, accusing the Russian army of attacking Wagner and issuing a threat to retaliate. Following this incident, Wagner fighters departed from Ukraine and entered the border region of Rostov. The Federal Security Service (FSB) responded by initiating a criminal case, charging them with “armed riot.”
Condemning Wagner’s actions as “treason,” Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his dissatisfaction with the situation. In response to the unfolding events, Prigojin announced plans to travel to Moscow, leading the Kremlin administration to implement heightened security measures across the country.
As the crisis continues to evolve, President Biden, Vice President Harris, and their teams remain actively engaged in monitoring the situation in Russia. The international community, including leaders from France, Germany, and the United Kingdom, reiterates their steadfast support for Ukraine during this challenging time. Efforts are underway to de-escalate tensions and find a peaceful resolution to the crisis.
