US President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin will have a telephone conversation. Photo/Business Insider
According to officials White House , Biden aims to make it clear that his administration is prepared to take action that will incur a “huge cost” to the Russian economy. While Putin for his part is expected to demand assurances from Biden that the military alliance NATO will never expand to include Ukraine, which has long sought membership. That is not the beginning for America and their NATO allies.
“We have consulted significantly with our allies and believe we have a path forward that will inflict significant and severe losses on the Russian economy,” White House press secretary Jen Psaki said during a preview of the meeting.
Also read: US, UK and Canada asked to deploy troops in Ukraine
“You could call it a threat. You can call it a fact. You could call that preparation. You can call it whatever you want to call it.” AP, Tuesday (7/12/2021).
The conversation with Putin is expected to be one of the toughest in Biden’s presidency and comes at a perilous time. US intelligence officials have determined that Russia has amassed 70,000 troops near the Ukrainian border and is already making preparations for a possible invasion early next year.
“The US has not yet determined whether Putin has made the final decision to strike. However, Biden intends to make clear to the Russian leader that there will be ‘very real costs’ if Russia continues military action,” according to a senior administration official who told reporters on condition of anonymity.
Meanwhile, ahead of talks with Putin, Biden held talks with leaders from Britain, France, Germany and Italy to coordinate messaging and possible sanctions.
Also read: Discuss Ukraine, Biden and Putin Plan to Hold Videoconference
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