Biden and Putin are scheduled to speak about Ukraine. The US president is likely to warn Russian President Vladimir Putin against invading Ukraine.
Russian state media said that US President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin began virtual conversations on Ukraine and other topics on Tuesday, despite Western fears that Moscow is planning an invasion on its neighbor to the south.
Biden met with European partners on Monday to discuss plans for Russian sanctions and seek a robust ally posture in support of Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, ahead of his first direct negotiations with Putin since July.
Biden spoke with Emmanuel Macron of France, Angela Merkel of Germany, Mario Draghi of Italy, and Boris Johnson of the United Kingdom.
They urged Russia to de-escalate hostilities and return to negotiation. They said their teams would continue to work together on a “coordinated and comprehensive response,” which would include engagement with NATO allies and EU partners.
According to a senior Biden administration official, Biden’s team has established a set of economic measures to apply if Russia launches an invasion.
According to a distinct source familiar with the issue, Striking Putin’s inner circle has been discussed, but no decision has been made. Another source stated that restrictions against Russia’s largest banks and the ability to transfer rubles into dollars and other currencies were examined.
According to White House spokesperson Jen Psaki, it was uncertain whether Putin had made a final decision to invade Ukraine. The secure remote chat, which will feature Biden speaking from the Situation Room at the White House, begins at 10 a.m. ET.
Source: CBC News
