Vice President Harris addresses Munich Security Conference
Vice President Kamala Harris addressed the Munich Security Conference on Saturday, just hours after President Joe Biden said he is convinced Russian President Vladimir Putin has decided to invade Ukraine.
“I am certain we all recognize this year's gathering is unlike those of the recent past, not since the end of the Cold War as this forum convened under such dire circumstances today, as we are all aware, the foundation of European security is under direct threat in Ukraine," Harris told the crowd.
Harris laid out how the United States believes an invasion would get under way.
"Russia will plead ignorance and innocence. It will create false pretext for invasion, and it will amass troops and firepower in plain sight we now receive reports of what appears to be provocations and we see Russia spreading disinformation, lies and propaganda. Nonetheless, in a deliberate and coordinated effort, we together are one, exposing the truth and two, speaking with a unifying voice," Harris said.
Harris reiterated that the U.S. has worked to find a way to de-escalate and remains open to diplomacy, but Russia's actions do not match their words and would pay a price if they attack, she said.
"And let me be clear: I can say with absolute certainty, if Russia further invades Ukraine, the United States together with our allies and partners will impose significant and unprecedented economic costs," Harris said.
Harris was joined by a bipartisan group of Democrats and Republicans to show U.S. commitment to the NATO partnership.
Harris also noted U.S. efforts to bolster military posture, stressing, "our forces will not be deployed to fight inside Ukraine. But they will defend every inch of NATO territory since Russia launched its proxy war against Ukraine."
-ABC News' Molly Nagle
