Biden threatens Putin with personal sanctions if Russia invades Ukraine

US makes preparations to avoid European gas crisis if flow from Russia is cut, while talks aimed at defusing tensions continue

President Joe Biden returns a salute as he walks outside the Marine Barracks Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 25, 2022, in Washington. Picture: AP Photo/Andrew Harnik

Joe Biden has said he will consider personal sanctions against Vladimir Putin if Russia invades Ukraine, as western leaders step up military preparations and make plans to shield Europe from Russian gas being cut off.

The rare sanctions threat came as Nato placed forces on standby and reinforced eastern Europe with more ships and fighter jets in response to Russia’s troop buildup near its border with Ukraine.