The governments of President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin remain in diplomatic negotiations on the conflict in Ukraine, although the US Administration is pressuring Russia to reduce military pressure.
This Tuesday morning, the Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, spoke with the Russian Foreign Minister, Sergei Lavrov, as part of the follow-up to the US written response .to Russia’s security proposals.
“The secretary emphasized the willingness of the United States, bilaterally and together with allies and partners, to continue a substantive exchange with Russia on mutual security concerns,” said the Department spokesman of State, Ned Price.
Blinken reiterated the Biden Administration’s commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
“As well as the right of all countries to determine their own foreign policy and alliances,” indicates the spokesman, referring to Russia’s criticism of Ukraine joining NATO.
The secretary urged the Putin government to reduce military pressure.
“Y the withdrawal of troops and equipment from the borders of Ukraine,” Price said. “He stressed that a further invasion of Ukraine would have accelerated and severe consequences and urged Russia to follow a diplomatic path.”
On Monday night, the Biden Administration received the response by written from Moscow, after it sent its own responses to resolve the conflict.
Russia’s response was first reported by The Washington Post, but it is not clear whether it was received before or after the meeting of the Security Council at the United Nations, where the Biden Administration addressed the conflict and questioned the Putin government, without disclosing details of possible military actions.