Russian President Vladimir Putin has told the world that “of course” he is against war, but his country’s demands must be addressed when it comes to the crisis in Ukraine
LIVE UPDATES – DEVELOPING STORY
Putin says he wants Ukraine Nato question resolved now
Russian attack on Ukraine ‘still very much a possibility,’ US President Joe Biden says
During a speech updating on the Russia-Ukraine situation, Joe Biden warned that an invasion from Russia is “very much a possibility,”
Biden made it clear that diplomatic resolution was still possible.
“An invasion remains distinctly possible,” said Biden.
Biden also confirmed that the US has engaged in “non-stop diplomacy” to prevent a Russian invasion, saying “We should give diplomacy every chance to succeed.”
President Biden made it clear that the United States is not seeking to add to the volatility.
U.S., allies ready to retaliate for Russian cyberattacks, say officials
“The West is united and galvanised,” said Biden, noting that Russia invading Ukraine would be a “self-inflicting wound.”
“If Russia proceeds, we will rally the world to oppose its aggression,” said Biden, confirming that export controls and other actions not pursued during the 2014 Russia-Crimea invasion will take place if Ukraine is invaded.
Biden also confirmed again that Nord Stream 2 will not happen if Russia invades Ukraine.
Putin says Nato had so far failed to address Russia’s “basic” security concerns as the leader continues to push for the issue of Ukraine’s Nato membership be discussed now
When asked whether or not he supports the prospect of war, the president says “of course not” but says the West needs to come to the table.
Nato’s Secretary General has also spoken with the media, saying he is yet to see any evidence of military de-escalation by Russia around Ukraine’s border.
The alliance is continuing to monitor the situation closely and believes signs coming from Moscow about willingness to engage with diplomatic efforts gives reason for optimism.
US secretary of state has confirmed commitment to diplomacy in a call with a Russian foreign minister
Blinken has tweeted his country’s “unwavering support” for Ukraine
A Reuters reporter tweeted that Milley spoke with a Ukrainian counterpart and “reaffirmed unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity – crediting pentagon sources
Following up on Antony Blinken’s tweet about, whitehouse spokesperson Ned Price says the United States looks forward to receiving Russia’s written response to the U.S.
He underscored that, while further Russian aggression against Ukraine would result in a swift, and severe response, we remain committed to the diplomatic path and believe that a window remains to resolve the crisis peacefully.
German chancellor, Olaf Scholz, has welcomed the pullback of some Russian troops from near Ukraine
Putin’s comments followed a lengthy four-hour meeting in Moscow with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
Russia says some of its troops have begun to withdraw from the border of Ukraine… which many are viewing as the first stage of de-escalation by the Kremlin.
However western leaders remain less optimistic, saying there is no evidence of military movement at this stage.
Russia’s sudden build-up of personnel had prompted fears an invasion of Ukraine was imminent.
Putin is continuing to deny he is planning to start a war, but tensions are at crisis point between the nation and the West.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is the latest Western leader to visit Moscow all in an attempt to de-escalate the situation.
Scholz says he will continue to push for diplomacy and fight to avoid an “unthinkable” war
