U.S. President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin exchanged warnings over Ukraine but conveyed some optimism that diplomatic talks in January could ease spiraling tensions
In a 50-minute call, their second conversation this month, Biden said he needed to see Russia decrease its military build-up near Ukraine, while Putin said sanctions threatened by Washington and allies could lead to a rupture in ties. The call was requested by Putin.
Despite the talk of diplomacy, the tone of the call was described by officials on both sides as "serious." And neither country detailed significant progress towards a resolution or the outlines of any deal. For his part, Biden reiterated his threat of unprecedented sanctions if Russia chose to invade Ukraine.U.S. President Joe Biden speaks with Russia's President Vladimir Putin from his home in Wilmington, Delaware, U.S. December 30, 2021. Adam Schultz/White House/Handout via REUTERS"Biden laid out two paths," including diplomacy and deterrence, including "serious costs and consequences," said a senior administration official.
Ushakov said Putin "immediately responded" that any sanctions now or later "could lead to a complete breakdown in ties between our countries." He added: "Our president also mentioned that it would be a mistake that our descendants would see as a huge error." Moscow, worried by what it says is the West's re-arming of Ukraine, has said it wants legally-binding guarantees the 30-member NATO alliance will not expand further eastwards, and that certain offensive weapons will not be deployed to Ukraine or other neighboring countries.
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