Presidents Biden and Putin have tentatively agreed to meet in a last-ditch diplomatic effort to stave off a Russian invasion of Ukraine. Heavy shelling is continuing in the conflict in eastern Ukraine that is feared will spark Moscow's offensive.
It followed a flurry of calls by Macron to Putin, Biden and also British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
The prospective meeting offers new hope of averting a Russian invasion that U.S. officials said could begin any moment with an estimated 150,000 Russian troops amassed near Ukraine. Ukraine and the rebels have traded blame for massive cease-fire violations with hundreds of explosions recorded daily.On Friday, separatist officials announced the evacuation of civilians and military mobilization in the face of what they described as an imminent Ukrainian offensive on the rebel regions. Ukrainian officials have strongly denied any plans to launch such an attack and described the evacuation order as part of Russian provocations intended to set the stage for an invasion.
Russian officials have shrugged off Western calls to deescalate by pulling back troops, arguing that Moscow is free to deploy troops and conduct drills wherever it likes on its territory. Last week, Western officials dismissed Russian statements about some of the troops returning to their bases, saying that Moscow was actually beefing up its forces around Ukraine.
Ukraine’s president reaffirmed his call for a quick meeting with Putin to help defuse tensions, but there was no response from the Kremlin.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Russian ambassador denies accusations of invasion plans, says Moscow is committed to diplomacyRussian Ambassador to the U.S. Anatoly Antonov on Sunday denied accusations from Western governments that Moscow is planning to invade Ukraine as tensions increase in the region.'There is no invasion. There is no such plans,' Antonov said while appearing on CBS's 'Face the Nation.' 'Russia has publicly ... declared its readiness to continue the diplomatic efforts to resolve all outstanding issues,' Antonov added. 'Russian troops are on sovereign...
Read more »
Moscow, Kyiv call for talks amid intense shellfireUkraine and Russia both called Sunday for intensified diplomatic efforts to avert all-out war, but blamed each other for a sharp escalation in shelling on the frontline separating Kyiv's forces from Moscow-backed separatists.
Read more »
Drinking Moscow Mules From Copper Can Be a Health Hazard — Best LifeIf you enjoy a Moscow mule from a copper cup, a new study says drinking it slowly can lead to heavy metal poisoning over time.
Read more »
U.S. embassy in Moscow urges Americans to avoid crowds, cites 'threats of attacks' in major urban areasThe U.S. embassy in Moscow on Sunday issued a security warning regarding possible threats to Americans in Moscow and St. Petersburg.Driving the news: 'According to media sources, there have been threats of attacks against shopping centers, railway and metro stations, and other public gathering places in major urban areas, including Moscow and St. Petersburg as well as in areas of heightened tension along the Russian border with Ukraine,' according to the alert.Get market news worthy of your time
Read more »
U.S. embassy in Moscow urges Americans to avoid crowds, cites 'threats of attacks' in major urban areas'There have been threats of attacks against shopping centers, railway and metro stations, and other public gathering places in major urban areas,' the alert warned.
Read more »