White House says Biden 'preparing for all contingencies' if Russia invades Ukraine

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President Biden's administration is planning for a possible Russia invasion of Ukraine but is confident that Russian President Vladimir Putin "got the message" during diplomatic talks, Biden's deputy press secretary told reporters Wednesday. 

Principal deputy press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre spoke to reporters Wednesday about the Biden administration's strategy dealing with Russian aggression in Ukraine. Jean-Pierre repeated Biden's warning that a Russian invasion would draw harsh reaction from NATO allies.

"The U.S. and our European allies will impose significant and severe economic harm on the Russian economy," Jean-Pierre stated. 

White House deputy press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre arrives for a press briefing at the White House in Washington, Nov. 4, 2021. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)

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The president's threats have so far been nonviolent, alluding to economic sanctions and boycotts to pressure Russia into relenting in its campaign against Ukraine. According to Jean-Pierre, "the U.S. is not currently considering using unilateral force to confront Russia."

However, the deputy press secretary added, "We are preparing for all contingencies as we have for weeks now."

President Joe Biden delivers remarks on the debt ceiling from the White House, Oct. 4, 2021, in Washington.  (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

Jean-Pierre hammered on Biden's seriousness in his threats against Putin, emphasizing the president's view that a "global democratic recession" is the "challenge of our times."

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Biden and Putin spoke about the rapid buildup of Russian troops on the Ukrainian border Tuesday in a diplomatic virtual meeting.

U.S. allies and international groups widely condemn Russia's aggression toward the Ukraine and have threatened similar economic sanctions if Ukraine is attacked.