'Consequences' if Russia were to nationalize US assets: WH
2 Min Read
Washington fears retaliation over possible Russian actions to answer its sanctions.
-
Psaki pointed out that the US may be open to other Russian initiatives.
White House spokesperson Jen Psaki on Monday said there will be consequences for Russia if Moscow were to nationalize US assets in their country.
The European Union and Ukraine have recently approved the seizure of Russian assets in their respective states, along with banning transactions. In fear of retaliation, Washington throws a threat.
Read more: EU freezes Putin, Lavrov assets over Ukraine operation
"We've also conveyed, as we did publicly I think on Friday, that there would be, we would certainly look to consequences should that happen," Psaki said.
As for Biden's trip to Europe, Psaki said that there is no final decision regarding of its possibility.
“We, of course, are closely engaged with our NATO partners and European allies but there has not been any final decision about the trip,” Psaki said.
The aim of the trip is to discuss the Ukraine crisis.
In parallel, the White House supports Congress' invitations to Zelensky to address US lawmakers virtually, according to Psaki.
"We certainly support leaders in Congress inviting him to address a joint session," Psaki said during a press briefing. "We'll all look forward to watching his speech on Wednesday."
Zelensky to address US Congress in coming days
Volodymyr Zelensky will be addressing the US Congress on March 16 via video conference, Democrat officials announced Monday, marking the latest address for the Ukrainian president to foreign parliaments around the world in a bid to plead for "help" against Russia's special military operation in Ukraine.
"The Congress remains unwavering in our commitment to supporting Ukraine as they face [Russian President Vladimir] Putin's cruel and diabolical aggression," House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer claimed.
They explained that they were passing legislation to "cripple and isolate the Russian economy as well as deliver humanitarian, security and economic assistance to Ukraine."
They also noted that the US legislative body was looking forward to the "privilege" of welcoming the Ukrainian leader to address the upper and lower houses of Congress on Wednesday, as well as "convey our support to the people of Ukraine as they bravely defend democracy," the US leaders boldly asserted.
