Biden 'convinced' Putin has decided to invade Ukraine, but 'until he does, diplomacy is always a possibility'

In remarks on the ongoing crisis between Russia and Ukraine, President Biden told reporters on Friday that he is "convinced" Russian President Vladimir Putin has made up his mind to invade.
"As of this moment, I'm convinced he's made the decision. We have reason to believe that," Biden said, when asked if he thought Putin was leaning one way or another. As to a question about whether or not diplomacy is therefore still an option, Biden replied, "Until he does, diplomacy is always a possibility."
The U.S. has "signifcant intelligence capability" that's led officials to that conclusion, Biden added.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Kyiv and Moscow have been engaged in a delicate back and forth for weeks now, as Russian troops continue to threateningly gather en masse on Ukraine's border, despite Putin's repeated insistence there's no invasion on the horizon.
Western leaders have nonetheless remained skeptical of the Kremlin's true intentions, and have continued to warn that evidence points to an incoming attack any day now.
That said, however, as pointed out by CNN's Kaitlan Collins, officials have up until now repeatedly said they were unsure whether Putin had determined his next move. Biden's remarks today were a vote of confidence otherwise.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Brigid Kennedy worked at The Week from 2021 to 2023 as a staff writer, junior editor and then story editor, with an interest in U.S. politics, the economy and the music industry.
-
Ukraine-Russia: is peace deal possible after Easter truce?
Today's Big Question 'Decisive week' will tell if Putin's surprise move was cynical PR stunt or genuine step towards ending war
-
What's behind Russia's biggest conscription drive in years?
Today's Big Question Putin calls up 160,000 men, sending a threatening message to Ukraine and Baltic states
-
Is the 'coalition of the willing' going to work?
Today's Big Question PM's proposal for UK/French-led peacekeeping force in Ukraine provokes 'hostility' in Moscow and 'derision' in Washington
-
Russia's spies: skulduggery in Great Yarmouth
In the Spotlight 'Amateurish' spy ring in Norfolk seaside town exposes the decline of Russian intelligence
-
Can Ukraine make peace with Trump in Saudi Arabia?
Talking Point Zelenskyy and his team must somehow navigate the gap between US president's 'demands and threats'
-
Ukraine: where do Trump's loyalties really lie?
Today's Big Question 'Extraordinary pivot' by US president – driven by personal, ideological and strategic factors – has 'upended decades of hawkish foreign policy toward Russia'
-
Is Europe's defence too reliant on the US?
Today's Big Question As the UK and EU plan to 're-arm', how easy will it be to disentangle from US equipment and support?
-
Is the British Army ready to deploy to Ukraine?
Today's Big Question The UK 'would be expected to play a major role' if a peacekeeping force is sent to enforce ceasefire with Russia