He promised that the U.S. would respond to the incident with “appropriate consequences” after the Biden administration has received more information.
When asked by Face the Nation about the possible consequences of the Russians shooting an American, Sullivan said, “This is clearly shocking and horrifying.
He said, “This is part of what has been brazen aggression by the Russians where they’ve targeted civilians. They have also targeted hospitals, places of worship, and journalists.”
Andriy Negotov, the head of Kyiv’s regional police force, stated Sunday that a 50 year-old American journalist, Brent Renaud, was murdered and a colleague was injured by Russian troops in Irpin (Ukraine). Nebytov posted pictures on Facebook of Renaud’s body and his credentials from the New York Times.
The Times stated in a statement that it was “deeply saddened” by the news of Renaud’s passing. It also said that Renaud was a “talented filmmaker” and had contributed to the Times throughout the years. Renaud wasn’t, however, on assignment to the Times in Ukraine.
A spokesperson for the paper stated that early reports that he was working for Times circulated due to him wearing a Times badge issued for an assignment many decades ago.
Sullivan stated that the Biden administration would be closely following developments concerning the attack on journalists and will respond accordingly.
After Russia launched more than 30 cruise missiles at the Ukrainian military training base less than 15 miles from Ukraine’s border with Poland (a NATO member), Russia attacked foreign journalists covering the conflict in Ukraine. The attack on the training facility, which was less than 15 miles from Ukraine’s border with Poland, left 35 dead. It is also the most westwardly targeted target that Russian forces have hit in the 18 days since their invasion of Ukraine.
Sunday’s warning by Sullivan was that if NATO territory is attacked militarily, Article 5 will be invoked. Article 5 states that if NATO ally is under attack, all 30 member countries of the alliance will view it as an armed attack and take appropriate action.
He stated that Russia could attack, fire upon, or take a shot at NATO territory if it so desired.
Sullivan pointed out that President Biden made it clear that the U.S. would cooperate with allies to “defend every inch of NATO territory,” and that this includes every inch.
Russia’s ongoing actions in Ukraine and its rhetoric accusing the U.S. of using chemical or biologic weapons have raised concerns about Russian forces possibly using chemical weapons.
Sullivan stated that the U.S. cannot “predict a place or time” for a chemical weapon attack. However, Sullivan warned Russia that it is preparing and will attempt to “pin the blame elsewhere.”
He said, “Nobody should be allowed to do that.” “That’s why we’ve gone so decisively at UN Security Council and elsewhere in order to rob Russia of the ability to pin this onto anyone but ourselves.” The president stated on Friday that if the Russians use chemical weapons against Ukraine, they will be punished.
Sullivan stated that Russia’s use of weapons of destruction would be a “shocking addition line” that Vladimir Putin is crossing. This refers to his attack on international law and international norms and his assault upon the human rights of the Ukrainian people.