White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan warned on Sunday of “catastrophic” consequences if Russia uses nuclear weapons in Ukraine, and warned that the United States will introduce new economic sanctions against Russia if the Kremlin completes “simulacra” of referendums, writes CNN.

“If Russia crosses this line, there will be catastrophic consequences for Russia. The United States will respond decisively. Now we, on private channels, have said clearly and in more detail exactly what that will mean,” Jake Sullivan said on NBC’s “Meet The Press.”

Regarding the consequences for Russia of holding so-called referendums in the occupied Ukrainian territories, Sullivan recalled the statement of the G7 leaders on Friday and said that additional statements would come from the United States in the coming days.

“(The G7 leaders) reiterated that there will be consequences and specified that they will include new and enhanced sanctions, including sanctions against organizations and companies outside of Russia that support the Russian military machine or support these fake referendums or Russian efforts,” Sullivan said. .

Later, in an interview with ABC’s “This Week” channel, US President Joe Biden’s national security adviser said that the US was preparing for “any scenario”.

“We want to state the principle that there will be catastrophic consequences, but not to play the rhetorical game of “an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth.” Therefore, the Russians understand where we are, we know where we are, we are preparing for any scenario and will do everything necessary to prevent Russia from taking this step. And if they do, we will respond decisively,” Jake Sullivan emphasized.

When asked about the protests taking place in Russia, Sullivan replied that the US is focused on continuing to support Ukraine: “The future of Russia must be decided by the Russian people.”

Vladimir Putin raised the specter of nuclear weapons again on Wednesday in a speech about Russia’s first military mobilization since World War II.

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• The head of NATO: Russia knows that the use of nuclear weapons in Ukraine will lead to “serious consequences”.

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