The nations will discuss the tensions near the Ukrainian border.
Russia has spent several months amassing military personnel near the border of Ukraine. The Russian government has claimed that this presence was for training purposes, and that the troops have already been sent back to their permanent bases. However, according to intelligence reports from the United States National Security Council, Russia may be planning a full-scale invasion of Ukraine that could go into action as early as next year. This has prompted a tense back-and-forth between the US and Russian governments, which has stymied efforts to maintain diplomatic relations.
In an effort to de-escalate the situation, the US and Russian governments will be holding formal talks on the subject of the Ukraine, NATO, and national security next month on January 10.
“President Biden’s approach on Ukraine has been clear and consistent: Unite the alliance behind two tracks: deterrence and diplomacy. We are unified as an Alliance on the consequences Russia would face if it moves on Ukraine. But we are also unified in our willingness to engage in principled diplomacy with Russia,” an NSC spokesman said in a statement.
“When we sit down to talk, Russia can put its concerns on the table, and we will put our concerns on the table with Russia’s activities as well,” the spokesman added. “We will adhere to the principle of ‘nothing about our Allies and partners without our Allies and partners, including Ukraine.’ There will be areas where we can make progress, and areas where we will disagree. That’s what diplomacy is about.”
Duncan S.
December 29, 2021
