Russian President Putin and his US counterpart Biden have video calling for more than two hours about the heightened tensions over Ukraine. Washington fears Moscow is planning an invasion, something the Russians vehemently deny.
“Hail Mr. President,” Putin opened the video call, according to images published by Russian state media. “Good to see you,” Biden replied, adding that he hoped their next conversation would take place again physically. Further details on the content of the maintenance have not yet been disclosed.
red lines
Spokespersons said in advance that the presidents will insist on the ‘red lines’: where they see the limits in the crisis threat surrounding Ukraine. The video call is the first meeting between the two leaders since July. American media speak of a test for Biden.
Yesterday, for example, it became clear that the US will introduce severe economic sanctions if Russia actually launches an offensive against Ukraine. In recent months, tens of thousands of Russian soldiers have gathered near the border with the neighboring country.
According to intelligence agencies of the US, Moscow may be preparing an invasion. The Kremlin contradicts that and says it is a training mission.
Major escalation
Analysts believe that Putin mainly wants to show that he is prepared to invade Ukraine, but that the chance small is that he actually will. Nevertheless, experts label the situation as risky. A wrong act by the military can potentially lead to a major escalation.
Moscow wants the West to stop supplying arms to Ukraine and demands guarantees that the Eastern European country will not join NATO in the long run. Putin sees both things as a major threat to Russia. The Kremlin also wants assurances that Ukraine will not try to recapture the territory lost to pro-Russian separatists since 2014.
The government in Kiev says it has no intention of doing so. President Zelensky fears that Russia will deploy troops stationed at the border against Ukraine. He said yesterday that Ukraine’s armed forces are strong enough to repel an invasion.
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