Firestorm of the West

Chapter 5

Chapter 5

(July 30, 0930 hours Washington time)

In the White House Press Room, President Biden step up to the podium. This is perhaps going to be one of the most important press conferences of his career, discussing not only the retaliation that took place last night, but the decisions made by NATO's leaders in the 12 hours.

"Good morning," Biden says as he sets his notes down. In front of him, the reporters gathered for this speech are completely silent, waiting to hear what the president has to say.

After a few moments, Biden begins his speech. "Yesterday, as Ukrainian forces were on the verge of breaking through Russian defenses to the city of Bakhmut, Russian President Vladimir Putin crossed a line that the world hoped would never have been crossed again in the history of mankind. As has been previously stated, two nuclear devices were detonated on Ukrainian soil in an effort to destroy Ukrainian ground forces and turn the tide of battle in Russia's favor. Instead, it has only brought retribution."

"Since the beginning of the invasion, myself and other world leaders have stated firmly that a use of nuclear weapons by Russia against Ukraine would not be tolerated. We are committed to peace and preventing use of nuclear weapons wherever possible. And as promised, we will not stand by and allow these atrocities to go unpunished."

"Yesterday, in the aftermath of the nuclear attacks in Ukraine, I authorized an armed retaliation against the military forces of the Russian Federation. Bombers of the US Air Force launched an attack on the Russian Black Sea Fleet, destroying most of its major surface vessels and crippling Russian sea power in the Black Sea. Simultaneously, American and NATO fighters attacked and destroyed Russian air defenses in occupied territory."

"Although a major blow to Russian fighting strength in the Ukraine theater, this is not the end of our intervention. It is clear that Russia cannot be trusted any longer, nor can this invasion be allowed to continue. Therefore, I am officially announcing the beginning of Operation Lightning Sword. Beginning in a few hours, NATO combat aircraft will begin flying combat missions in Ukrainian territory. Their targets will be Russian forces engaging Ukrainian forces in combat, and any supporting infrastructure. They will also be given full clearance to shoot down any Russian aircraft spotted flying over Ukrainian territory, occupied or not. They will also be given clearance to engage any Russian aircraft showing hostile behavior towards them outside of Ukrainian borders."

"At this time, I give an assurance to the Russian people and government. No action will taken against any targets within the internationally recognized borders of the Russian Federation. We do not seek the destruction of Russia. Only the security of the sovereign nation of Ukraine. Our airstrikes will be carried out in the hopes of forcing all Russian military forces out of Ukraine's borders and restoring its security. If not, further action will be taken."

"I now speak to Russian President Vladimir Putin and his staff. If Russian forces are pulled out of Ukraine and all occupied territory, including the peninsula of Crimea, within the next 10 days, all hostile action by aircraft and ships of the NATO alliance will cease, and peace will resume, and sanctions will begin to be lifted. However, if all combat operations between forces of Russia and Ukraine does not cease and Russian forces withdraw within the next 10 days, then we will be forced to take further action. If our terms are not met within the next 10 days, all limits on supply of weapons to Ukraine will be lifted, and troops of the NATO alliance will enter Ukraine to join the fight and force Russian forces out of Ukraine. No matter what comes, we will respect Russia's internationally recognized borders. But if Russia does not withdraw from the occupied regions of Ukraine, including the Crimean peninsula, we will be forced to take them back by force. I ask only that President Putin make right decision for his people and pull his forces out of Ukraine before his arrogance and determination costs the lives of hundreds of thousands more Russian servicemen."