UA
FR
DEU.S. President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin held their second telephone conversation this month. The U.S. leader called on his Russian counterpart to step up diplomatic efforts around Ukraine amid a build-up of Russian troops near the border and Kremlin’s demands for comprehensive security guarantees.
“President Biden urged Russia to de-escalate tensions with Ukraine. He made clear that the United States and its allies and partners will respond decisively if Russia further invades Ukraine,” the press service of the White House informs.
As noted, Biden expressed support for bilateral and multilateral diplomatic negotiations, particularly the US–Russia Strategic Stability Dialogue, at NATO-Russia Council, and at the OSCE, which would be held next month.
At the same time, the media, citing sources in the White House, report that the United States intends to continue to adhere to the principle of “nothing about allies and partners without them.” That is why the United States will continue intensive consultations with allies and partners, including Ukraine, before the start of negotiations with the Russians.
During the conversation, Joe Biden also reiterated that any invasion of Ukraine would result in devastating economic sanctions imposed by the United States and its partners, as well as a growing NATO presence in Central and Eastern Europe.
After the conversation, Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov told Russian media that Putin threatened to sever ties with Washington in response to the possible imposition of unprecedented sanctions.
Biden–Putin talks on 30 December lasted about an hour and were initiated by the Russian side.
Bohdan Marusyak
