US President Joe Biden spoke to his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyy to reaffirm his dedication in direction of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of his nation, as his administration mounted a worldwide stress marketing campaign in opposition to Russia to forestall it from invading Ukraine.
“President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. spoke today with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine. President Biden reaffirmed the readiness of the United States along with its allies and partners to respond decisively if Russia further invades Ukraine. He also underscored the commitment of the United States to Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” White House mentioned in a readout of the decision.
The leaders mentioned coordinated diplomatic efforts on European safety, underscoring the precept of nothing about Ukraine with out Ukraine, the White House mentioned.
During the decision, Biden relayed the US’ assist for battle decision efforts within the Normandy Format, expressing his hope that the edges’ recommitment on January 26 to the phrases of the July 2020 ceasefire will assist lower tensions and advance the implementation of the Minsk Agreements.
White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki advised studies that the US has seen preparations and buildup on the border and that an invasion might come at any time. “Our assessment has not changed since that point,” she mentioned.
A day earlier, the United States and NATO each individually delivered their responses to Russia.
A senior State Department official mentioned that they consider these responses provide an actual alternative for safety enhancements throughout the Euro-Atlantic space if Moscow chooses the trail of diplomacy moderately than that of battle or sabotage.
“We and our NATO allies and partners have long been concerned about many of the same issues that Russia raised. And we have long wanted serious talks about these things, including intermediate and short-range nuclear weapons that can reach our allies’ territory, and the need for more transparency and risk reduction measures, and updated and reciprocal rules of the road for military exercises,” Assistant Secretary of State for Political Affairs Victoria Nuland advised reporters at a information convention.
“We too, have concerns about weapons and military activity around Ukraine, including in Donbas and occupied Crimea. Between the US and Russia, between NATO and Russia, and within the OSCE, we have resolved very difficult security and arms control issues before through negotiations. This was true even in the worst of times, and we need to do that again now,” she mentioned.
She mentioned that Russia wants to check no matter has been provided to it.
“So, it’s on that basis that we hope Moscow will study what we have offered them and come back to the table, back to the bilateral table with the US, back to the NATO-Russia Council and to the OSCE,” she mentioned.
“The most important thing we heard from Moscow today is that the documents are with President Putin, that he is studying them. And as I said, we hope he will see here a real opportunity for a legacy of security and arms control, rather than a legacy of war,” Nuland mentioned.
“At the UN headquarters in New York, its envoy to the world body, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, members of the Security Council must squarely examine the facts and consider what is at stake for Ukraine, for Russia, for Europe, and for the core obligations and principles of the international order should Russia further invade Ukraine.”
This will not be a second to attend and see. The Council’s full consideration is required now, and we look ahead to direct and purposeful dialogue on Monday, she mentioned.
Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman spoke with NATO Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoana, Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Secretary General Helga Schmid, European External Action Service (EEAS) Secretary General Stefano Sannino and, representing the OSCE Chairmanship-in-Office, Polish Deputy Foreign Minister Pawel Jablonski.
They mentioned the US and NATO written responses to Russia, continued OSCE and EU engagement, and our ongoing dedication to diplomacy.
They agreed on the significance of continued shut coordination and unity within the face of Russia’s unprovoked army buildup on Ukraine’s borders, a media launch mentioned.
