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Diplomatic efforts to resolve the Ukraine conflict are intensifying. Through a phone call, the US Secretary of State and his Russian counterpart again tried to find ways to ease tensions.
During a telephone conversation, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken insisted on an “immediate reduction of tension on the Russian side and the withdrawal of troops and weapons from the border with Ukraine.” This was noted by State Department spokesman Ned Price in Washington. A Russian intervention in the neighboring country would “have immediate and serious consequences,” Blinken warned, according to the data. In this crisis, “Russia must continue to follow the diplomatic path.”
In a telephone conversation with Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov, Blinken reiterated US support for Ukraine’s “sovereignty and territorial integrity” and the right of each country to decide its own “foreign policy and alliances.” The latter refers to Ukraine’s ambitions for NATO membership, which Russia categorically rejects. Blinken also stressed the readiness of the US government for further consultations with Russia on security issues.
Lavrov refers to the OSCE principle
Lavrov, on the other hand, said his country insists on discussing security issues in Europe. The West cannot pursue its own security interests at the expense of Russian interests. “OSCE states have recognized the principle of ‘indivisible security’ as mandatory,” he said. “Russia adheres to that.” Talks are needed on “why the West will not meet its obligations.”
The United States and NATO last week responded in writing to Russia’s demands for “security guarantees.” They rejected a statement demanded by Russian President Vladimir Putin that NATO renounce further expansion to the East as well as withdraw US weapons from former Soviet spheres Washington and NATO. But Blinken stressed that the US has shown the Russian side a “serious diplomatic path” to end the crisis.
According to US government officials, Russia is meanwhile continuing massive troop movements along the border with Ukraine and is also planning to reinforce its troops in Belarus near the Ukrainian border. The Kremlin denies plans for an attack on Ukraine, but at the same time states that it feels threatened by NATO.
Trilateral security pact
Meanwhile the UK, Poland and Ukraine, according to government data in Kiev, are preparing a trilateral security pact. This was noted by the Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Schmygal during a visit of his Polish counterpart Mateusz Moraviecki in Kiev. Poland and the United Kingdom have provided arms and ammunition to Ukraine so that the country can better defend itself in the event of a Russian attack. The Polish prime minister said in Kiev that Poland would supply Ukraine with weapons and ammunition, including tens of thousands of grenades, artillery shells, air defense systems and reconnaissance drones.
Ukraine will enlarge the army
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Selensky at the height of tensions with Russia will restructure the military and make the military profession more attractive. A relevant decree he signed in Kiev. Specifically, Selensky wants to increase the number of armed forces by 2025 by about 100,000 additional troops. There are currently about 265,000 troops. Salaries in the army will also be gradually increased.
Diplomatic efforts are intensifying
As part of the diplomatic offensive, Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi spoke with Russian President Putin. According to Italian data, both sides have stressed that it is necessary to create a climate of mutual trust. During the telephone conversation with Putin, Draghi stressed that it is necessary to reduce tensions. Otherwise there could be serious consequences. The German government has also called on Russia to take steps to alleviate the situation.
Putin criticizes the West
The Kremlin leader criticizes the West for ignoring Russia’s security interests. After meeting in Moscow with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, Putin stressed that the West does not pay attention to the principle of “indivisible security” in Europe. Putin reiterated that one country cannot pursue its own security interests at the expense of another. He also criticized the fact that NATO has rejected Russia’s request to stop its expansion in the East.
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