United States is willing to continue a “substantive exchange” with Russia on mutual security concerns
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov remain at odds over how to ease tensions over Ukraine but agreed to continue talks over the issue. The two spoke by phone on Tuesday to follow up on the U.S written response to Russia’s security proposals.
Secretary Blinken emphasized the “U.S. willingness, bilaterally and together with allies and partners, to continue a substantive exchange with Russia on mutual security concerns, which we intend to do in full coordination with our partners and allies.”
He further reiterated the U.S. commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as the right of all countries to determine their own foreign policy and alliances.
The Secretary urged immediate Russian de-escalation and the withdrawal of troops and equipment from Ukraine’s borders. He reiterated that further invasion of Ukraine would be met with swift and severe consequences and urged Russia to pursue a diplomatic path.
Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin said the Kremlin is still studying the U.S. and NATO’s response to the Russian security demands received last week. However, he said that the West has ignored Russian demands that NATO not expand to Ukraine and other ex-Soviet nations and roll back its deployments to Eastern Europe.
Russia has amassed over 100,000 troops along the border of Ukraine but has denied any intention to attack. Washington and its allies have rejected Moscow’s key demands, saying that they emphasize that Ukraine has the right to choose alliances.
