Russia-Ukraine updates: US to ban Russian carriers from its airspace

Following President Joe Biden's remarks Tuesday, Senate leaders released a bipartisan statement of support for Ukraine that included a stark warning for Russia. 

In the event of an invasion in Ukraine, "Russia must be made to pay a severe price," said the statement, which was released by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, along with the leaders of several Senate committees.

Lawmakers would support "immediate imposition of strong, robust, and effective sanctions on Russia, as well as tough restrictions and controls on exports to Russia" in the event of an invasion, the statement said.

The senators noted that U.S. troops "stand ready" to enforce the security of Eastern allies and will "respond decisively to Russian efforts to undermine the security of the United States at home and abroad."

-ABC News' Allison Pecorin

President Joe Biden warned the American people that any conflict over Ukraine with Russia would not be "painless" at home either, particularly when it comes to energy prices, although he said his administration is taking active steps to try to prevent any disruption. 

"To be clear, if Russia decides to invade, that would also have consequences here at home. But the American people understand that defending democracy and liberty is never without cost," Biden said. "I will not pretend this will be painless. There could be impact on our energy prices, so we're taking active steps to alleviate the pressure on our own energy markets and offset raising prices," he added.

The president went on to explain why he felt the situation justifies U.S. involvement, saying that "this is about more than just Russia and Ukraine."

"It's about standing for what we believe in, for the future that we want for our world, for liberty, for liberty, the right of countless countries to choose their own destiny. And the right of people to determine their own futures, or the principle that a country can't change its neighbor's borders by force," Biden said. "If we do not stand for freedom where it is at risk today, we'll surely pay a steeper price tomorrow."

Biden also reiterated his administration's call for all Americans to depart Ukraine "now -- before it's too late to leave safely," and speaking directly to the Russian people, said they were "not the enemy."

"I do not believe you want a bloody destructive war and Ukraine, a country and people with whom you share deep ties of family, history and culture," he said.

-ABC News' Molly Nagle and Sarah Kolinovsky

President Joe Biden warned Russian President Vladimir Putin in remarks from the White House on Tuesday that if Russia invades Ukraine, the U.S. is prepared to respond decisively and in unison with NATO allies.

"If Russia attacks Ukraine, it would be a war of choice or a war without cause or a reason. I say these things not to provoke but to speak the truth. Because the truth matters. Accountability matters," Biden said, drawing a distinction between the circumstances now and seen in WWII.

Biden said if Russia invades in the days or weeks ahead, the human costs for Ukraine and strategic cost for Russia would be "immense" -- and acknowledged Americans "would also have consequences here at home" if the energy market is hit.

"If Russia attacks Ukraine, it will be met with overwhelming international condemnation," Biden said. "The world will not forget that Russia chose needless death and destruction. Invading Ukraine will prove to be a self-inflicted wound. The United States and our allies and partners will respond decisively. The West is united and galvanized."

He added, "Defending democracy and liberty is never without cost."

President Joe Biden delivered an update from the White House on the status of Ukraine's border and said the U.S. has "not yet verified" that Russian troops have pulled back as the Kremlin has claimed.

"We have not yet verified that the Russian military units are returning to their home bases. Indeed, our analysts remain that they remain very much in a threatening position," Biden said from the White House East Room.

Biden emphasized that the U.S. believes the best way forward is through diplomacy and de-escalation but placed the ball in Putin's court.

"The United States is prepared, no matter what happens. We are ready with diplomacy -- to be engaged in diplomacy with Russia. And our allies and partners to improve stability and security in Europe as a whole. And we are ready to respond decisively to a Russian attack on Ukraine, which is still very much a possibility," he said.