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Transcript/ScriptUS-Russia-Ukraine {Feb 15}
HEADLINE: Biden: Putin Invasion Would be ‘War of Choice’
TEASER: Speaking directly to both Americans and Russians, Biden lays out the stakes of a potential Russian invasion of Ukraine
PUBLISHED AT: 2/15/22 at 7:43p
BYLINE: Cindy Saine
CONTRIBUTOR:
DATELINE:
VIDEOGRAPHER:
PRODUCER:
SCRIPT EDITORS: Reifenrath, DJ (ok), Jepsen
VIDEO SOURCE (S): MRT WH, AFP, AP, Reuters
PLATFORMS (mark with X): WEB __ TV _x_ RADIO __
TRT: 1:56
VID APPROVED BY: Reifenrath
TYPE:
EDITOR NOTES: ))
((INTRO))
[[President Joe Biden spoke to the American people and the Russian people Tuesday about the stakes of a potential invasion of Ukraine, saying if Russian President Vladimir Putin does invade his neighbor, it will be a war of choice that inflicts “needless death and destruction.”]]
((NARRATOR))
Russia says it has moved some of its military units away from its borders with Ukraine. But President Joe Biden spoke to Americans about the grave situation Tuesday, saying the U.S. has not verified those claims.
((President Joe Biden))
“The fact remains that right now Russia has more than 150,000 troops encircling Ukraine and Belarus and along Ukraine's border. And invasion remains distinctly possible.”
((NARRATOR))
Biden also addressed the people of Russia directly, saying they are not an enemy of America. He said 77 years ago, the U.S. and Russia fought side by side to end the worst war in history.
((President Joe Biden))
“World War II was a war of necessity. But if Russia attacks Ukraine, it would be a war of choice, or a war without cause or reason. I say these things not to provoke but to speak the truth, because the truth matters.”
((NARRATOR))
Meanwhile in Moscow, Russian President Vladimir Putin met with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz Tuesday and told reporters he is “ready to work further” with the West to de-escalate tensions over Ukraine.
Scholz told reporters that Russia saying it is pulling some forces back from the border is a hopeful sign.
((Olaf Scholz, German Chancellor (German with male English VO)) "For my generation, war has become unthinkable in Europe. And we must ensure that it remains so — it is our damn duty and our mission as heads of state and government to prevent an escalation of war in Europe.”
((NARRATOR))
Invasion fears remain high, as Ukraine said Tuesday that the websites of the country's Defense Ministry and armed forces, and the websites of two state banks, have been hit by a cyberattack, possibly of Russian origin.
Cindy Saine, VOA News
NewsML Media TopicsConflict, War and Peace, Arts, Culture, Entertainment and Media
NetworkVOA
Embargo DateFebruary 15, 2022 21:11 EST
BylineCindy Saine
Brand / Language ServiceVoice of America - English
