In the wake of the heightened tensions between Russia and the United States, Vladimir Putin has warned his counterpart, Joe Biden, that new sanctions could lead to the rupture of ties between the two countries.
In a telephonic conversation requested by Russia, Biden warned Putin that the US and its allies would respond decisively in cases of a Russian invasion of Ukraine. Putin had told the US president that new sanctions would be a “colossal mistake” and the ties between the two countries could rupture.
The call, which lasted for more than an hour, marked the latest effort to defuse tension over Ukraine’s eastern border with Russia where the Ukrainian officials say that more than 100,000 Russian troops have been sent. Russia, however, has denied planning to invade Ukraine, arguing that the troops have gathered for a routine exercise. It says that it is entitled to move its troops freely on its soil.
Although the two countries traded warnings during the call, Russian foreign policy advisor Yuri Ushakov told reporters shortly after that Putin was “pleased” with the conversation and that it created a good backdrop for future talks.
US and Russian officials are set to meet in Geneva next month for in-person talks next month. The White House said in a press release that Biden has asked his Russian counterpart to pursue a diplomatic solution.