United States (US) President Joe Biden and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin conducted a two-hour video call on Tuesday to discuss the ongoing crisis at the Ukrainian border as tensions increase over Russian troop build-up.
US National Security Adviser (NSA) Jake Sullivan said Biden was “direct and straightforward” as he affirmed America’s support to Ukraine, and warned Putin of substantial economic repercussions if Russia is to invade Ukraine.
The meeting between the two leaders also included the US-Russia dialogue on Strategic Stability, a separate discussion on cybersecurity and cyberwarfare, and developments in Iran.
Furthermore, Putin reiterated his demand for reliable and legal guarantees against North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s (NATO) eastern expansion, particularly in Ukraine, which seeks to attain NATO member status.
Although the leaders failed to reach any immediate agreements regarding Ukraine, Washington emphasised “de-escalation and diplomacy,” as both sides made commitments towards further communication and deliberation.
Biden also issued a stern warning to Putin, saying, “Things we did not do in 2014 we are prepared to do now,” referring to the Russian annexation of Crimea.
Meanwhile, NSA Sullivan elaborated on the avenues the US is willing to take to deter a Russian invasion of Ukraine. He said: “We would provide additional defensive material to the Ukrainians above and beyond that which we are already providing. And we would fortify our NATO Allies on the eastern flank with additional capabilities in response to such an escalation.”
Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs Victoria Nuland also mentioned having an understanding with Germany about shutting down Russia’s Nord Stream 2 pipeline as a potential economic hit back to Russia. “If President Putin moves on Ukraine, our expectation is that the pipeline will be suspended,” Nuland said. This was all but confirmed by incoming German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who said a Russian invasion of Ukraine would jeopardise the pipeline deal.
At the same time, Putin’s Foreign Affairs Adviser, Yuri Ushakov, wrote off American sanctions threats, saying, “Sanctions aren’t something new; they have been in place for a long time and will not have any effect.” Ushakov added, “Our president emphasised what Russia needs,” referring to guarantees against NATO expansion.
Immediately after the conference with Putin, Biden got on a call with leaders from key NATO allies in Europe, France, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom, whose support will be crucial in tackling Russian aggression. Biden also plans to speak with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday.
Pressure mounted on Biden and Putin to discuss the Ukraine issue after US intelligence sources reported that Russia had amassed 175,000 troops at its border with Ukraine, with plans to invade in January.
On Tuesday, the US Congress included $300 million for Ukraine’s military in its $770 billion National Defence Authorization Act ( NDAA). In addition, the US and its European allies are exploring sanctions against Russian banks, including Russia’s Direct Investment Fund, to limit the country’s ability to convert rubles to dollars and other foreign currencies.