U.S. Secretary Antony Blinken, Sunday’s warning against Russian invasion of Ukraine was reaffirmed. Blinken stated that any Russian intervention would face a “severe response.”

Blinken stated that if a Russian army enters Ukraine aggressively, it would trigger an immediate, severe, and united European response. an interviewCNN’s “State of the Union”

Russia is building troops close to its Ukrainian border, raising Western fears that the Kremlin might launch an invasion into Eastern Europe. A possible invasion may occur within one month. according to U.S. intelligence. Moscow has, however, stated it doesn’t intend to invade.

The Biden administration and its Western allies have warned about harsh sanctions in an attempt to disarm the Kremlin. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman previously said the sanctions look to target key Russian financial institutions and export controls on crucial industries.

In an attempt to improve the position of allies, the U.S. stressed that it would not impose sanctions immediately.

The purpose of sanctions is deterring Russian aggression. He said that if sanctions are activated now, they lose their deterrent effects.

Multiple high-stakes discussions have already taken place between U.S. and European officials and their Russian counterparts. Blinken stated that the next step is up to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

We have given Russia two options. There are two paths to Russia: diplomacy or dialogue. Blinken stated that there is a path to diplomacy and dialogue. But, it’s possible for the U.S. to re-engage in aggression with massive consequences.” Blinken indicated that while productive dialog is preferable, U.S. defense is being built up.

Later, he stated to NBC’s Meet the Press (NBC) that while it was possible for the Kremlin to “go through the motions of dialogue”, it doesn’t impact their final decision on whether to invade or another way intervene in Ukraine.

—CNBC’s Amanda Macias contributed to this report.