President Vladimir Putin hailed the relationship between China and Russia as he met with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping ahead of the opening ceremony of the Beijing Winter Olympics 2022.

Russian President Vladimir Putin meets Chinese President Xi Jinping amid Ukraine crisis

Amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine crisis, Russian President Vladimir Putin is in China attending the Beijing Winter Olympics. Will the crisis and war tensions overshadow the games completely? Watch the report.

Ukraine crisis overshadows the Beijing Winter Olympics

Russian President Putin & Chinese President Xi Jinping project united front against the West

Russia recognises Taiwan as an inalienable part of China and rejects the island's independence in any form, according to a joint Russian-Chinese declaration released on Friday.&nbsp;

"The Russian side reaffirms its support for the One-China principle, confirms that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China, and opposes any forms of independence of Taiwan," the statement read.

The parties also reiterate their strong mutual support for the safeguarding of their key interests, including state sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as their opposition to foreign involvement in their domestic affairs.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/example-of-dignified-relationship-ahead-of-winter-olympic-ceremony-putin-meets-xi-in-beijing-450383">Also read | 'Example of dignified relationship': Ahead of Winter Olympic ceremony, Putin meets Xi in Beijing</a>

In a lengthy joint statement, China blamed the US of inciting riots in Hong Kong and pushing Taiwanese independence, while Russia accused the US of destabilising Ukraine in the same way.

“Russia and China stand against attempts by external forces to undermine security and stability in their common adjacent regions,” according to the 5,300-word joint statement released by the Kremlin.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Kamalturk Yalqun-Once a torchbearer now calls for boycott of Beijing Winter Olympics 2022

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It said both nations “intend to counter interference by outside forces in the internal affairs of sovereign countries under any pretext, oppose color revolutions and will increase cooperation in the aforementioned areas.”

China has said that the world should not be divided into the kind of power blocs that defined the era when the Soviet Union and United States were the two dominant superpowers.

Earlier in the day, Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing ahead of the Winter Olympics opening ceremony.

The Russian president praised the two countries' ties, calling them "unprecedented in nature and an example of respectful cooperation."

Also see |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/eye-on-pacific-why-china-is-testing-anti-ship-ballistic-missiles-in-xinjiang-desert-443100">Eye on Pacific: Why China is testing anti-ship ballistic missiles in Xinjiang desert</a>

Putin is on his first overseas trip of the year, despite rising tensions with the West over Ukraine.

In their first face-to-face meeting in nearly two years, Russian President Vladimir Putin met with his Chinese counterpart. 
 
Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-union-accuses-china-of-economically-punishing-lithuania-over-its-stance-on-taiwan-448153" hreflang="en">European Union accuses China of economically punishing Lithuania over its stance on Taiwan</a>

President Xi, on the other hand, hasn't left China since the coronavirus spread over the country in January 2020.

Later today, both leaders will attend the Olympic opening ceremony.&nbsp;

Also see |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/war-scenario-taiwan-conducts-air-drills-urban-warfare-simulation-amid-china-tensions-442589">War scenario: Taiwan conducts air drills, urban warfare simulation amid China tensions</a>

(With inputs from agencies)

Russia recognises Taiwan as an inalienable part of China and rejects the island's independence in any form, according to a joint Russian-Chinese declaration released on Friday.

Russia recognises Taiwan as an inalienable part of China and rejects the island's independence in any form, according to a joint Russian-Chinese declaration released on Friday. "The Russian side reaffirms its support for the One-China principle, confirms that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China, and opposes any forms of independence of Taiwan," the statement read. The parties also reiterate their strong mutual support for the safeguarding of their key interests, including state sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as their opposition to foreign involvement in their domestic affairs. Also read | 'Example of dignified relationship': Ahead of Winter Olympic ceremony, Putin meets Xi in Beijing In a lengthy joint statement, China blamed the US of inciting riots in Hong Kong and pushing Taiwanese independence, while Russia accused the US of destabilising Ukraine in the same way. “Russia and China stand against attempts by external forces to undermine security and stability in their common adjacent regions,” according to the 5,300-word joint statement released by the Kremlin. Watch: Kamalturk Yalqun-Once a torchbearer now calls for boycott of Beijing Winter Olympics 2022 It said both nations “intend to counter interference by outside forces in the internal affairs of sovereign countries under any pretext, oppose color revolutions and will increase cooperation in the aforementioned areas.” China has said that the world should not be divided into the kind of power blocs that defined the era when the Soviet Union and United States were the two dominant superpowers. Earlier in the day, Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing ahead of the Winter Olympics opening ceremony. The Russian president praised the two countries' ties, calling them "unprecedented in nature and an example of respectful cooperation." Also see | Eye on Pacific: Why China is testing anti-ship ballistic missiles in Xinjiang desert Putin is on his first overseas trip of the year, despite rising tensions with the West over Ukraine. In their first face-to-face meeting in nearly two years, Russian President Vladimir Putin met with his Chinese counterpart. Also read | European Union accuses China of economically punishing Lithuania over its stance on Taiwan President Xi, on the other hand, hasn't left China since the coronavirus spread over the country in January 2020. Later today, both leaders will attend the Olympic opening ceremony. Also see | War scenario: Taiwan conducts air drills, urban warfare simulation amid China tensions (With inputs from agencies)

Russia recognises Taiwan as part of China, opposes island's independence

Russian President Putin is currently meeting his Chinese counterpart president Xi Jinping. President Putin has arrived in Beijing as he will attend winter Olympics opening ceremony apart from this Russia and China will also discuss greater gas and financial cooperation.

Russian President Putin meets his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping ahead of Beijing winter Olympics

Russian President Vladimir Putin is all set to visit China for the upcoming winter Olympics. Putin and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping will have lunch on Friday and Putin will also attend the winter Olympics opening ceremony. Russia and China are all set to discuss greater gas and also financial cooperation.

Putin and Xi Jinping to meet ahead Beijing Winter Olympics

Russian President Vladimir Putin is going to attend the opening ceremony of the Beijing Winter Olympics. He is also going to meet with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping.

Beijing Winter Olympics: Russian President Putin to meet with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping

Russian President Vladimir Putin is accusing the West of ignoring Moscow's security concerns. The Russian President says the West's response to Moscow's demands is far from adequate.

Russia: President Putin accuses West of ignoring Moscow's security concerns

The United States, United Kingdom, Russia and Ukraine have all stepped up their diplomatic engagements in the past week in a bit to try and de-escalate the tensions surrounding the troop build up along the border with Ukraine but the renewed dialogue has not produced any tangible results. In the latest, Russian President Vladimir Putin has made his very first public statements about the ongoing crisis saying that the West is actually deliberately creating a scenario of war.

Putin: West deliberately creating scenario of war

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday expressed hopes that dialogue on Ukraine crisis would continue. He said he hoped that dialogue went on in order to avoid "negative scenarios" including war. he was speaking at a news conference.

During the news conference, Vladimir Putin raised the possibility of war between Russia and NATO if Ukraine joined the alliance and then attempted to take back Crimea from Russia by force.

"Let's imagine Ukraine is a NATO member and starts these military operations. Are we supposed to go to war with the NATO bloc? Has anyone given that any thought? Apparently not," he said.

Putin said ways were needed to be found to protect everyone's security.

Russia has more than 100,000 troops and military equipments stationed along its border with Ukraine. Although Russia claims that it did not intend to invade Ukraine, various statements from the Russian camp have been perceived to be an attempt to create a pretext.

Russia has made it clear that it was completely against Ukraine joining the NATO. Ukraine is an ex-Soviet state. In 2014, Russia annexed Ukraine's Crimean peninsula by force.

United Nations Security Council (UNSC) held a session to discuss Ukraine crisis on Monday. The session was held at the request of the US while Russia opposed it.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday expressed hopes that dialogue on Ukraine crisis would continue. He said he hoped that dialogue went on in order to avoid "negative scenarios" including war.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday expressed hopes that dialogue on Ukraine crisis would continue. He said he hoped that dialogue went on in order to avoid "negative scenarios" including war. he was speaking at a news conference. During the news conference, Vladimir Putin raised the possibility of war between Russia and NATO if Ukraine joined the alliance and then attempted to take back Crimea from Russia by force. "Let's imagine Ukraine is a NATO member and starts these military operations. Are we supposed to go to war with the NATO bloc? Has anyone given that any thought? Apparently not," he said. Putin said ways were needed to be found to protect everyone's security. Russia has more than 100,000 troops and military equipments stationed along its border with Ukraine. Although Russia claims that it did not intend to invade Ukraine, various statements from the Russian camp have been perceived to be an attempt to create a pretext. Russia has made it clear that it was completely against Ukraine joining the NATO. Ukraine is an ex-Soviet state. In 2014, Russia annexed Ukraine's Crimean peninsula by force. United Nations Security Council (UNSC) held a session to discuss Ukraine crisis on Monday. The session was held at the request of the US while Russia opposed it. (With inputs from agencies)

Hope dialogue on Ukraine continues, says Putin

German Chancellor Angela Merkel has called President Vladimir Putin and demanded that Russia unwind its recent military build-up in the area around eastern Ukraine, the German government said in a statement on Thursday.

"One subject of their conversation was, among others, the increased Russian military presence near eastern Ukraine," the statement said. "The chancellor called for a reduction of these troop reinforcements to de-escalate tensions." 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-border-crisis-world-war-will-begin-in-a-month-warns-military-analyst-375591">Russia-Ukraine border crisis: World War will begin in a month, warns military analyst</a>

Both Putin and Merkel voiced concern over the rising tensions in the southeast of Ukraine, the Kremlin said in a statement.

"Vladimir Putin drew attention to the provocative actions of Kiev, which has recently purposefully escalated the situation on the line of contact. The need for the Kiev authorities to strictly implement the previously reached agreements was stressed, first of all, to establish a direct dialogue with Donetsk and Luhansk and to legally formalize the special status of Donbass," it said. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-expresses-concern-over-russian-activity-near-ukraine-375377">Also read: EU expresses concern over Russian activity near Ukraine</a>

Merkel also raised the case of jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny, who is currently ill in a Russian penal colony and who is demanding access to independent medical advice.

The call came as clashes between pro-Russia separatists and Ukrainian forces have increased in recent weeks and a Russian military buildup on the border heightened fears of an escalation in the conflict.&nbsp;

Earlier Thursday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy travelled to the eastern frontline. He has in recent days appealed to his country's Western allies for support.

The conflict broke out in 2014 after Moscow annexed the Crimean peninsula and has claimed more than 13,000 lives.

Kiev and the West have accused Russia of supporting the separatists with weapons and troops. Moscow has repeatedly denied those claims.

Peace talks mediated by France and Germany since 2015 have failed to end the fighting.&nbsp;

While the Kremlin has not denied its recent troop movements on Ukraine's border, it has insisted that Moscow is posing no threat.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

German Chancellor Angela Merkel has called President Vladimir Putin and demanded that Russia unwind its recent military build-up in the area around eastern Ukraine, the German government said in a statement on Thursday.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel has called President Vladimir Putin and demanded that Russia unwind its recent military build-up in the area around eastern Ukraine, the German government said in a statement on Thursday. "One subject of their conversation was, among others, the increased Russian military presence near eastern Ukraine," the statement said. "The chancellor called for a reduction of these troop reinforcements to de-escalate tensions." Russia-Ukraine border crisis: World War will begin in a month, warns military analyst Both Putin and Merkel voiced concern over the rising tensions in the southeast of Ukraine, the Kremlin said in a statement. "Vladimir Putin drew attention to the provocative actions of Kiev, which has recently purposefully escalated the situation on the line of contact. The need for the Kiev authorities to strictly implement the previously reached agreements was stressed, first of all, to establish a direct dialogue with Donetsk and Luhansk and to legally formalize the special status of Donbass," it said. Also read: EU expresses concern over Russian activity near Ukraine Merkel also raised the case of jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny, who is currently ill in a Russian penal colony and who is demanding access to independent medical advice. The call came as clashes between pro-Russia separatists and Ukrainian forces have increased in recent weeks and a Russian military buildup on the border heightened fears of an escalation in the conflict. Earlier Thursday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy travelled to the eastern frontline. He has in recent days appealed to his country's Western allies for support. The conflict broke out in 2014 after Moscow annexed the Crimean peninsula and has claimed more than 13,000 lives. Kiev and the West have accused Russia of supporting the separatists with weapons and troops. Moscow has repeatedly denied those claims. Peace talks mediated by France and Germany since 2015 have failed to end the fighting. While the Kremlin has not denied its recent troop movements on Ukraine's border, it has insisted that Moscow is posing no threat. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia-Ukraine border crisis: Merkel demands Putin reduce Russian troops around Ukraine

The crisis on the Russia-Ukraine border has Europe on high alert, with a defence analyst&nbsp;warning the situation could descend into a “world war” within weeks if tensions aren’t stemmed. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-expresses-concern-over-russian-activity-near-ukraine-375377">Also read: EU expresses concern over Russian activity near Ukraine</a> 
 
Pavel Felgenhauer, an independent Russian military analyst, has said that a European or even World War could be triggered in four weeks in Ukraine after Russia dispatched 4,000 soldiers to the disputed border with its neighbour.

"The threats are growing, and rapidly. Much is not discussed in the media, but we are seeing very bad signs. The crisis has the potential to escalate into a pan-European war, if not even a world one." he said. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-president-putin-approves-legislation-allowing-him-to-serve-two-more-terms-375544">Also read: Russian President Putin approves legislation allowing him to serve two more terms</a>

The analysis comes after President Vladimir Putin deployed up to 4,000 Russian soldiers along with tanks and other armoured vehicles to the disputed border with its neighbour.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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Day 3: <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Russia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Russia</a> Military build up continues near Ukraine border. 
 
Video of military vehicles, tanks today reportedly from city of Karsnodar: <a href="https://t.co/ItgkKyI1jo">pic.twitter.com/ItgkKyI1jo</a>
— Joyce Karam (@Joyce_Karam) <a href="https://twitter.com/Joyce_Karam/status/1377997465673203713?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 2, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Last week, Ukrainian Commander-in-Chief Ruslan Khomchak had said that Russia is building up armed forces near Ukraine’s borders in a threat to the country’s security, accusing Moscow of pursuing an “aggressive policy” towards Kyiv.

In remarks to parliament, Khomchak also accused pro-Moscow separatists of systematically violating a ceasefire in the conflict in eastern Ukraine agreed in July 2020.

Ukraine and Russia have traded blame for a spike in violence in the conflict, which Kyiv says has killed 14,000 people since 2014. 
 
However, The Kremlin said that Russian military movements near its shared border with Ukraine posed no threat to Ukraine or anyone else and that Moscow moved troops around its country as it saw fit.

(With inputs from agencies)

The crisis on the Russia-Ukraine border has Europe on high alert, with a defence analyst warning the situation could descend into a “world war” within weeks if tensions aren’t stemmed.

The crisis on the Russia-Ukraine border has Europe on high alert, with a defence analyst warning the situation could descend into a “world war” within weeks if tensions aren’t stemmed. Also read: EU expresses concern over Russian activity near Ukraine Pavel Felgenhauer, an independent Russian military analyst, has said that a European or even World War could be triggered in four weeks in Ukraine after Russia dispatched 4,000 soldiers to the disputed border with its neighbour. "The threats are growing, and rapidly. Much is not discussed in the media, but we are seeing very bad signs. The crisis has the potential to escalate into a pan-European war, if not even a world one." he said. Also read: Russian President Putin approves legislation allowing him to serve two more terms The analysis comes after President Vladimir Putin deployed up to 4,000 Russian soldiers along with tanks and other armoured vehicles to the disputed border with its neighbour. Day 3: #Russia Military build up continues near Ukraine border. Video of military vehicles, tanks today reportedly from city of Karsnodar: pic.twitter.com/ItgkKyI1jo — Joyce Karam (@Joyce_Karam) April 2, 2021 × Last week, Ukrainian Commander-in-Chief Ruslan Khomchak had said that Russia is building up armed forces near Ukraine’s borders in a threat to the country’s security, accusing Moscow of pursuing an “aggressive policy” towards Kyiv. In remarks to parliament, Khomchak also accused pro-Moscow separatists of systematically violating a ceasefire in the conflict in eastern Ukraine agreed in July 2020. Ukraine and Russia have traded blame for a spike in violence in the conflict, which Kyiv says has killed 14,000 people since 2014. However, The Kremlin said that Russian military movements near its shared border with Ukraine posed no threat to Ukraine or anyone else and that Moscow moved troops around its country as it saw fit. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia-Ukraine border crisis: World War will begin in a month, warns military analyst

The US&nbsp;administration on Monday declined to rule out sending American troops to Ukraine as new satellite images revealed Russian forces assembling at numerous critical strategic areas along the Ukrainian border in preparation for an invasion.

In a warning to Moscow on the eve of talks between presidents Joe Biden and Vladimir Putin, the US indicated it would impose tough new economic sanctions in reaction to a Russian invasion of Ukraine.

According to a senior US official, Biden will also make it clear to Putin that the US would not rule out eventual Ukrainian membership in Nato, as the Russian leader has asked. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/what-will-happen-if-russian-troops-invade-ukraine-431684">Also Read:&nbsp;What will happen if Russian troops invade Ukraine?</a>

The images show ground military equipment being deployed as well as personnel buildup in western Russia and Crimea.

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Maxar Tech satellite images show Russian troops massed near Ukraine border<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/russiaukraine?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#russiaukraine</a> <a href="https://t.co/a8nxqSSt4y">pic.twitter.com/a8nxqSSt4y</a>
— ChicagoMike (@ChicagoMyk) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChicagoMyk/status/1468033483293577218?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 7, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Just hours after the photos were posted, White House press secretary Jen Psaki was asked if Americans should be prepared for US military on the ground if Russia decided to invade.

"I’m not going to get ahead of the President’s conversations with our transatlantic partners, which is going to happen later this afternoon," Psaki responded, "and we’ll provide you a list of who will be participating in that call as soon as the scheduling details are finalized.&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-planning-to-invade-ukraine-with-175000-troops-report-434188">Also read | Russia planning to invade Ukraine with 175,000 troops: Report</a>

But I would say that our objective here is to convey diplomatically that this is the moment for Russia to pull back its military buildup at the border, "Psaki added.

The United States and European allies are prepared to take "substantial economic countermeasures ... that would impose significant and severe economic harm on the Russian economy" if Russia attacks, the official said.

In addition, Biden will make clear that if Putin "moved in, there would be an increasing request from eastern flank allies and a positive response from the United States for additional forces and capabilities and exercises," they said.

(With inputs from agencies)

The US administration on Monday declined to rule out sending American troops to Ukraine as new satellite images revealed Russian forces assembling at numerous critical strategic areas along the Ukrainian border in preparation for an invasion.

The US administration on Monday declined to rule out sending American troops to Ukraine as new satellite images revealed Russian forces assembling at numerous critical strategic areas along the Ukrainian border in preparation for an invasion. In a warning to Moscow on the eve of talks between presidents Joe Biden and Vladimir Putin, the US indicated it would impose tough new economic sanctions in reaction to a Russian invasion of Ukraine. According to a senior US official, Biden will also make it clear to Putin that the US would not rule out eventual Ukrainian membership in Nato, as the Russian leader has asked. Also Read: What will happen if Russian troops invade Ukraine? The images show ground military equipment being deployed as well as personnel buildup in western Russia and Crimea. Maxar Tech satellite images show Russian troops massed near Ukraine border#russiaukraine pic.twitter.com/a8nxqSSt4y — ChicagoMike (@ChicagoMyk) December 7, 2021 × Just hours after the photos were posted, White House press secretary Jen Psaki was asked if Americans should be prepared for US military on the ground if Russia decided to invade. "I’m not going to get ahead of the President’s conversations with our transatlantic partners, which is going to happen later this afternoon," Psaki responded, "and we’ll provide you a list of who will be participating in that call as soon as the scheduling details are finalized. Also read | Russia planning to invade Ukraine with 175,000 troops: Report But I would say that our objective here is to convey diplomatically that this is the moment for Russia to pull back its military buildup at the border, "Psaki added. The United States and European allies are prepared to take "substantial economic countermeasures ... that would impose significant and severe economic harm on the Russian economy" if Russia attacks, the official said. In addition, Biden will make clear that if Putin "moved in, there would be an increasing request from eastern flank allies and a positive response from the United States for additional forces and capabilities and exercises," they said. (With inputs from agencies)

If Russia invades Ukraine, US to send more troops to Eastern Europe

Russian President Vladimir Putin and the head of the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) met in Moscow last week to discuss “regional conflicts”, the Kremlin said on Monday.

The Kremlin’s spokesman said that Putin and CIA chief William Burns discussed bilateral ties, “regional conflicts” and a crisis in diplomatic relations. He did not provide further details.&nbsp;

The meet comes amid reports of Russian troops build-up in the annexed part of Ukraine.

Burns was in Russia for two days of meetings with top officials at the request of President Joe Biden, the US embassy has said.

Last week, CNN reported that Burns had been sent to Moscow to warn the Kremlin about the alleged build-up of troops near Ukraine’s border. It said that after his meetings in Russia, Burns spoke to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky by phone.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/whats-happening-between-russia-and-ukraine-heres-a-cheat-sheet-377164">What's happening between Russia and Ukraine? Here's a cheat-sheet</a>

Biden has increased pressure on Putin since becoming US president in January. In May, Russia formally designated the United States an “unfriendly state”.

The Pentagon said last week it was monitoring the situation in Ukraine closely amid reports of a new build-up of Russian troops on the country's border.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-military-spotted-near-ukraine-border-after-us-warning-376922">Russian military spotted near Ukraine border after US warning</a>

Ukraine’s Defence Ministry said earlier this week that an estimated 90,000 Russian troops were positioned along the border and in rebel-controlled parts of eastern Ukraine.

However, Russia denied the troop build-up claim.

“Russia maintains troops presence on its territory wherever it deems necessary,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters last week.

Russia earlier this week complained about US and NATO activity in the Black Sea as its naval forces practised destroying enemy targets there.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russian President Vladimir Putin and the head of the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) met in Moscow last week to discuss “regional conflicts”, the Kremlin said on Monday.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and the head of the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) met in Moscow last week to discuss “regional conflicts”, the Kremlin said on Monday. The Kremlin’s spokesman said that Putin and CIA chief William Burns discussed bilateral ties, “regional conflicts” and a crisis in diplomatic relations. He did not provide further details. The meet comes amid reports of Russian troops build-up in the annexed part of Ukraine. Burns was in Russia for two days of meetings with top officials at the request of President Joe Biden, the US embassy has said. Last week, CNN reported that Burns had been sent to Moscow to warn the Kremlin about the alleged build-up of troops near Ukraine’s border. It said that after his meetings in Russia, Burns spoke to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky by phone. Also read | What's happening between Russia and Ukraine? Here's a cheat-sheet Biden has increased pressure on Putin since becoming US president in January. In May, Russia formally designated the United States an “unfriendly state”. The Pentagon said last week it was monitoring the situation in Ukraine closely amid reports of a new build-up of Russian troops on the country's border. Also read | Russian military spotted near Ukraine border after US warning Ukraine’s Defence Ministry said earlier this week that an estimated 90,000 Russian troops were positioned along the border and in rebel-controlled parts of eastern Ukraine. However, Russia denied the troop build-up claim. “Russia maintains troops presence on its territory wherever it deems necessary,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters last week. Russia earlier this week complained about US and NATO activity in the Black Sea as its naval forces practised destroying enemy targets there. (With inputs from agencies)

Amid reports of Russian troop build-up in Ukraine, CIA chief met Putin in Moscow

President Vladimir Putin of Russia is playing a game of suspense.

When he kicked over the global chessboard late last year, amassing thousands of troops at the Ukrainian border, he sent the world into panic. An invasion seemed imminent — and beyond it loomed the threat of a new global confrontation, contested by nuclear-armed powers. Things haven’t calmed down since: A call between Mr. Putin and President Biden on Dec. 30, where the leaders traded threats, did little to take the sting out of the situation. Any incident along the Russian-Ukrainian border could bring inferno.

The Kremlin’s reasoning for the escalation is curious. It is acting in response, it maintains, to the West’s “drawing Ukraine into NATO” and NATO’s encroachment on what the Kremlin views as Russia’s area of influence. But that looks like a bluff, or even trolling. The truth is that NATO, for all its welcoming gestures, is not ready to offer Ukraine membership.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-concession-over-ukraine-in-talks-with-us-says-russia-443349">No concession over Ukraine in talks with US, says Russia</a>

So what is Mr. Putin’s endgame? The immediate aim, to be sure, is to return Ukraine to Russia’s orbit. But that’s only a brush stroke on a much bigger canvas. Mr. Putin’s design is grand: to refashion the post-Cold War settlement, in the process guaranteeing the survival of Russia’s personalized power system. And judging from the West’s awkward, anguished response so far, he might be close to getting what he wants.

In recent years, Mr. Putin has successfully revived Russia’s tradition of one-man rule by amending the Constitution, rewriting history and clamping down on the opposition. Now he seeks to provide the system with a sturdy Great Power spine, returning to Russia its global glamour. In the past decade, Mr. Putin’s Russia not only demonstrated its readiness to resume control over the former Soviet space, testing its ambitions in Georgia and Ukraine, but also left its footprints all over the world, including through meddling in Western democracies. Yet today’s standoff over Ukraine takes things to a new level.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-ready-to-talk-missiles-and-military-exercises-in-ukraine-with-russia-official-443265">US ready to talk missiles and military exercises in Ukraine with Russia: Official</a>

No longer content with upsetting the West, Mr. Putin is now trying to force it to agree to a new global dispensation, with Russia restored to eminence. It doesn’t stop there, though. Crucially, the geopolitical advance would serve to safeguard Mr. Putin’s rule. So the West, by accepting Russia’s geopolitical position, would effectively underwrite its domestic agenda, too. The United States would become, at home and abroad, Russia’s security provider. It’s quite the gambit.

The timing is crucial. With the European Union consumed by its own challenges and the United States’ rivalry with China yet to reach top gear, the Kremlin is seizing the moment to pursue its grand design. To do so, it could put on the war helmet at any moment. But confrontation is not the Kremlin’s goal. The escalation is about peace on Russia’s terms.

Right now, it’s hard to know what comes next. Mr. Putin can’t force his Western opponents to surrender; neither is he ready to retreat. But he could use both concessions and refusals to pursue his agenda. Concessions, such as NATO explicitly pledging not to expand any further east, would be presented as victories, and refusals as the pretext for further escalation. One success is already clear: The West has been forced to reward Russia — through outreach, diplomacy and, above all, attention — for the charitable act of not invading Ukraine.

Russia’s rebellion threatens to turn geopolitics into a battle of threats — force on one side, sanctions on the other. Mr. Putin’s method is tried and tested: He ratchets up the tensions and then demands “binding agreements,” which he does not take seriously. The aim, really, is a Hobbesian world order, built on disruption and readiness for surprise breakthroughs.

This order has nothing in common with those fashioned at the Yalta Conference in 1945, say, or the Congress of Vienna in 1815. Their architects followed the rules. The Kremlin is suggesting something very different: the irrelevance of rules. The norms by which the world has been governed for the past three decades would be thrown out, in favor of creative interpretation of the possible. In this free-for-all, Mr. Putin — mercurial master of suspense and the sudden move — can pursue his fusion of geopolitical power and personal rule.

Today, Ukraine is the jewel to fight for. But it won’t end there: Belarus, whose embattled leader relies on Russia’s support, could be the next prize in the geopolitical rivalry — or perhaps it will be Kazakhstan, where popular anger at the corrupt, Russian-backed regime has erupted. The drama is just beginning. Other neighboring countries could become hostages of Russia’s system of survival, which requires external domination for the sake of internal security.

So far, the Kremlin has been extremely lucky, or extraordinarily skilled, in playing a weak hand without aces up its sleeve. It deals with a Western establishment determined to maintain the status quo, even if that means accommodation. After all, the nature of globalization precludes serious containment policy: How can the West deter Russia when it is enmeshed in a web of economic and security ties with the Russian state?

Mr. Putin no doubt senses the advantage. Having dealt with the Western leaders for decades, he seems to have concluded that he can play bully. That the United States quickly agreed to start talks suggests Mr. Putin’s strategy is working: It could take months before Western partners discover that they have been engaged in an exchange of hot air.

They are clearly yet to work out how to respond to the Kremlin’s policy of suspense. By forcing the world to guess what Russia is up to and pursuing mutually contradictory policy lines simultaneously, the Kremlin keeps the West disoriented. Accustomed to functioning in rational, risk-averse ways, the West doesn’t know how to react to such “organized chaos.”

There are several traps into which Russia and the West could fall. The kind of sanctions the Biden administration is reportedly considering could be devastating for the Russian state and its elites, which are integrated into the West. And ordinary Russians are not going to sacrifice their living standards indefinitely for wars and antagonism. According to the independent Levada Center, in 2021 only 32 percent of Russians wanted to see Russia as “a great power respected and feared by other countries,” and just 16 percent thought the war could raise Mr. Putin’s authority. The patriotic drug of militarism has started to wear off.

There is a Catch-22 for the West, too: Any bargain that would allow the Kremlin to interpret the global rules of the game would undermine Western principles. Yet rejecting the bargain could incite the Kremlin to wreck the whole shop. The world’s liberal democracies are hardly ready for a clash with a nuclear opponent.

This is a deadlock, and there appears to be no way out. Both sides continue to play “who blinks first”: America and its allies have set out to reassure Ukraine of their support, while Russia has kept the hammer of military deployment ready. A meeting in Moscow on Thursday between representatives of Russia, France and Germany made little headway. Negotiations begin in earnest next week, as Russia and America — later joined by NATO members — aim to find the areas where agreement is possible and where it isn’t.

It’s a tall order. And even if such efforts manage to temporarily tamp down the situation, mutual suspicion will linger. The reason is simple: For as long as Mr. Putin holds sway, his grand design will never be far away.

President Vladimir Putin of Russia is playing a game of suspense. When he kicked over the global chessboard late last year, amassing thousands of troops at the Ukrainian border, he sent the world into panic.

President Vladimir Putin of Russia is playing a game of suspense. When he kicked over the global chessboard late last year, amassing thousands of troops at the Ukrainian border, he sent the world into panic. An invasion seemed imminent — and beyond it loomed the threat of a new global confrontation, contested by nuclear-armed powers. Things haven’t calmed down since: A call between Mr. Putin and President Biden on Dec. 30, where the leaders traded threats, did little to take the sting out of the situation. Any incident along the Russian-Ukrainian border could bring inferno. The Kremlin’s reasoning for the escalation is curious. It is acting in response, it maintains, to the West’s “drawing Ukraine into NATO” and NATO’s encroachment on what the Kremlin views as Russia’s area of influence. But that looks like a bluff, or even trolling. The truth is that NATO, for all its welcoming gestures, is not ready to offer Ukraine membership. Also Read | No concession over Ukraine in talks with US, says Russia So what is Mr. Putin’s endgame? The immediate aim, to be sure, is to return Ukraine to Russia’s orbit. But that’s only a brush stroke on a much bigger canvas. Mr. Putin’s design is grand: to refashion the post-Cold War settlement, in the process guaranteeing the survival of Russia’s personalized power system. And judging from the West’s awkward, anguished response so far, he might be close to getting what he wants. In recent years, Mr. Putin has successfully revived Russia’s tradition of one-man rule by amending the Constitution, rewriting history and clamping down on the opposition. Now he seeks to provide the system with a sturdy Great Power spine, returning to Russia its global glamour. In the past decade, Mr. Putin’s Russia not only demonstrated its readiness to resume control over the former Soviet space, testing its ambitions in Georgia and Ukraine, but also left its footprints all over the world, including through meddling in Western democracies. Yet today’s standoff over Ukraine takes things to a new level. Also Read | US ready to talk missiles and military exercises in Ukraine with Russia: Official No longer content with upsetting the West, Mr. Putin is now trying to force it to agree to a new global dispensation, with Russia restored to eminence. It doesn’t stop there, though. Crucially, the geopolitical advance would serve to safeguard Mr. Putin’s rule. So the West, by accepting Russia’s geopolitical position, would effectively underwrite its domestic agenda, too. The United States would become, at home and abroad, Russia’s security provider. It’s quite the gambit. The timing is crucial. With the European Union consumed by its own challenges and the United States’ rivalry with China yet to reach top gear, the Kremlin is seizing the moment to pursue its grand design. To do so, it could put on the war helmet at any moment. But confrontation is not the Kremlin’s goal. The escalation is about peace on Russia’s terms. Right now, it’s hard to know what comes next. Mr. Putin can’t force his Western opponents to surrender; neither is he ready to retreat. But he could use both concessions and refusals to pursue his agenda. Concessions, such as NATO explicitly pledging not to expand any further east, would be presented as victories, and refusals as the pretext for further escalation. One success is already clear: The West has been forced to reward Russia — through outreach, diplomacy and, above all, attention — for the charitable act of not invading Ukraine. Russia’s rebellion threatens to turn geopolitics into a battle of threats — force on one side, sanctions on the other. Mr. Putin’s method is tried and tested: He ratchets up the tensions and then demands “binding agreements,” which he does not take seriously. The aim, really, is a Hobbesian world order, built on disruption and readiness for surprise breakthroughs. This order has nothing in common with those fashioned at the Yalta Conference in 1945, say, or the Congress of Vienna in 1815. Their architects followed the rules. The Kremlin is suggesting something very different: the irrelevance of rules. The norms by which the world has been governed for the past three decades would be thrown out, in favor of creative interpretation of the possible. In this free-for-all, Mr. Putin — mercurial master of suspense and the sudden move — can pursue his fusion of geopolitical power and personal rule. Today, Ukraine is the jewel to fight for. But it won’t end there: Belarus, whose embattled leader relies on Russia’s support, could be the next prize in the geopolitical rivalry — or perhaps it will be Kazakhstan, where popular anger at the corrupt, Russian-backed regime has erupted. The drama is just beginning. Other neighboring countries could become hostages of Russia’s system of survival, which requires external domination for the sake of internal security. So far, the Kremlin has been extremely lucky, or extraordinarily skilled, in playing a weak hand without aces up its sleeve. It deals with a Western establishment determined to maintain the status quo, even if that means accommodation. After all, the nature of globalization precludes serious containment policy: How can the West deter Russia when it is enmeshed in a web of economic and security ties with the Russian state? Mr. Putin no doubt senses the advantage. Having dealt with the Western leaders for decades, he seems to have concluded that he can play bully. That the United States quickly agreed to start talks suggests Mr. Putin’s strategy is working: It could take months before Western partners discover that they have been engaged in an exchange of hot air. They are clearly yet to work out how to respond to the Kremlin’s policy of suspense. By forcing the world to guess what Russia is up to and pursuing mutually contradictory policy lines simultaneously, the Kremlin keeps the West disoriented. Accustomed to functioning in rational, risk-averse ways, the West doesn’t know how to react to such “organized chaos.” There are several traps into which Russia and the West could fall. The kind of sanctions the Biden administration is reportedly considering could be devastating for the Russian state and its elites, which are integrated into the West. And ordinary Russians are not going to sacrifice their living standards indefinitely for wars and antagonism. According to the independent Levada Center, in 2021 only 32 percent of Russians wanted to see Russia as “a great power respected and feared by other countries,” and just 16 percent thought the war could raise Mr. Putin’s authority. The patriotic drug of militarism has started to wear off. There is a Catch-22 for the West, too: Any bargain that would allow the Kremlin to interpret the global rules of the game would undermine Western principles. Yet rejecting the bargain could incite the Kremlin to wreck the whole shop. The world’s liberal democracies are hardly ready for a clash with a nuclear opponent. This is a deadlock, and there appears to be no way out. Both sides continue to play “who blinks first”: America and its allies have set out to reassure Ukraine of their support, while Russia has kept the hammer of military deployment ready. A meeting in Moscow on Thursday between representatives of Russia, France and Germany made little headway. Negotiations begin in earnest next week, as Russia and America — later joined by NATO members — aim to find the areas where agreement is possible and where it isn’t. It’s a tall order. And even if such efforts manage to temporarily tamp down the situation, mutual suspicion will linger. The reason is simple: For as long as Mr. Putin holds sway, his grand design will never be far away.

Ukraine is only one small part of Putin’s plans

Russia President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday that Russia did not want conflict with Ukraine or the West but clearly said that NATO should not expand eastwards towards Russia. He was speaking at his annual end-of-year press conference.

He added that Russia had received generally positive response to security proposals it handed to US this month. He said the negotiations would start early next year in Geneva.

Russia last week presented the United States and NATO with draft proposals, summarising its demands in return for a de-escalation of tensions over ex-Soviet Ukraine.

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The documents said that NATO must not admit new members into the military alliance and called for no military bases to be established in ex-Soviet countries.

"There must not be any eastward NATO expansion," Putin told journalists at his annual end-of-year press conference.

"The ball is in their court. They need to provide us with some answer," he said, but added: "Overall we see a positive reaction."

"US partners told us that they are ready to begin this discussion, these talks, at the very start of next year in Geneva," Putin said, adding that representatives from both sides have been appointed.&nbsp;

Russia's far-reaching demands were dismissed by several members of the US-led alliance.&nbsp;

Washington said it was open for discussions but is yet to provide a detailed response to Moscow's proposals.

Western governments have accused Moscow of massing troops near its border with eastern Ukraine, where Kiev has been fighting pro-Russia separatists since shortly after the annexation of Crimea in 2014.

The United States and Europe have warned Russia that it risks unprecedented sanctions should Putin launch a military attack on NATO ally Ukraine.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russia President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday that Russia did not want conflict with Ukraine or the West but clearly said that NATO should not expand eastwards towards Russia.

Russia President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday that Russia did not want conflict with Ukraine or the West but clearly said that NATO should not expand eastwards towards Russia. He was speaking at his annual end-of-year press conference. He added that Russia had received generally positive response to security proposals it handed to US this month. He said the negotiations would start early next year in Geneva. Russia last week presented the United States and NATO with draft proposals, summarising its demands in return for a de-escalation of tensions over ex-Soviet Ukraine. × The documents said that NATO must not admit new members into the military alliance and called for no military bases to be established in ex-Soviet countries. "There must not be any eastward NATO expansion," Putin told journalists at his annual end-of-year press conference. "The ball is in their court. They need to provide us with some answer," he said, but added: "Overall we see a positive reaction." "US partners told us that they are ready to begin this discussion, these talks, at the very start of next year in Geneva," Putin said, adding that representatives from both sides have been appointed. Russia's far-reaching demands were dismissed by several members of the US-led alliance. Washington said it was open for discussions but is yet to provide a detailed response to Moscow's proposals. Western governments have accused Moscow of massing troops near its border with eastern Ukraine, where Kiev has been fighting pro-Russia separatists since shortly after the annexation of Crimea in 2014. The United States and Europe have warned Russia that it risks unprecedented sanctions should Putin launch a military attack on NATO ally Ukraine. (With inputs from agencies)

Don't want conflict over Ukraine, but NATO expansion unacceptable: Putin

A Russian court has inadvertantly revealed that Russia had troops in separatists-held region. Russia, apparently in a damage control mode, is now saying that the documents likely contained an error.

"Maybe we are talking about a mistake by someone who wrote the document, because this is impossible," Dmitry Peskov, Spokesman of President Vladimir Putin said.

"There have never been any Russian forces on the territory of the self-proclaimed republics."

The court in question is one in southern Russian region of Rostov. It published a ruling online&nbsp;

in a case where the defendant testified he was responsible for supplying food to Russian troops in eastern Ukraine.

The court verdict read that every two weeks a column of 70 trucks carrying supplies would be dispatched to eastern Ukraine to bring food to Russian troops stationed there.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/germany-expels-russian-diplomats-after-court-accuses-russia-of-state-terrorism-in-berlin-park-murder-case-437205">Germany expels Russian diplomats after court accuses Russia of 'state terrorism' in Berlin park murder case</a>

Pescov claimed that Russia has been sending humanitarian aid to the separatist statelets on a regular basis.

According to the court document, supplies were sent to eastern Ukraine in 2018 and 2019.

"The supplies were intended to be sent to military units of the armed forces of the Russian Federation deployed in the DPR and LPR," the conviction read, referring to two breakaway regions.

'Confession'

The defendant -- identified as V.N. Zabaluyev -- served as deputy regional manager for military food supplies at a local company and was sentenced to five years in prison for bribing officials in 2019.

Later Thursday, the Rostov courts press service issued a statement saying the local court that collected Zabaluyev's testimony had not verified it.

"This was not the subject of the legal proceedings," the statement said, adding that "the court did not and could not verify this part of the testimony".

The revelation comes at a tense time in the conflict, with Russia accused of massing around 100,000 troops near Ukraine, raising new fears in the West of a possible invasion.

A Russian court has inadvertantly revealed that Russia had troops in separatists-held region. Russia, apparently in a damage control mode, is now saying that the documents likely contained an error.

A Russian court has inadvertantly revealed that Russia had troops in separatists-held region. Russia, apparently in a damage control mode, is now saying that the documents likely contained an error. "Maybe we are talking about a mistake by someone who wrote the document, because this is impossible," Dmitry Peskov, Spokesman of President Vladimir Putin said. "There have never been any Russian forces on the territory of the self-proclaimed republics." The court in question is one in southern Russian region of Rostov. It published a ruling online in a case where the defendant testified he was responsible for supplying food to Russian troops in eastern Ukraine. The court verdict read that every two weeks a column of 70 trucks carrying supplies would be dispatched to eastern Ukraine to bring food to Russian troops stationed there. Also Read | Germany expels Russian diplomats after court accuses Russia of 'state terrorism' in Berlin park murder case Pescov claimed that Russia has been sending humanitarian aid to the separatist statelets on a regular basis. According to the court document, supplies were sent to eastern Ukraine in 2018 and 2019. "The supplies were intended to be sent to military units of the armed forces of the Russian Federation deployed in the DPR and LPR," the conviction read, referring to two breakaway regions. 'Confession' The defendant -- identified as V.N. Zabaluyev -- served as deputy regional manager for military food supplies at a local company and was sentenced to five years in prison for bribing officials in 2019. Later Thursday, the Rostov courts press service issued a statement saying the local court that collected Zabaluyev's testimony had not verified it. "This was not the subject of the legal proceedings," the statement said, adding that "the court did not and could not verify this part of the testimony". The revelation comes at a tense time in the conflict, with Russia accused of massing around 100,000 troops near Ukraine, raising new fears in the West of a possible invasion.

Russian court documents show troops in Ukraine, Kremlin says text has 'error'

UK PM Boris Johnson on Monday warned Russian president Vladimir Putin on call and said that invasion against Ukraine would be a 'mistake' which would have 'significant consequences'

"The Prime Minister emphasised the UK's commitment to Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty, and warned that any destabilising action would be a strategic mistake that would have significant consequences," a spokesman said.

"He expressed the United Kingdom's deep concern over the build-up of Russian forces on Ukraine's border, and reiterated the importance of working through diplomatic channels to deescalate tensions and identify durable solutions."

There is tension between Russia and Western countries over situation at Ukraine-Russia border. Russia has massed troops at the border and blaming Ukraine for necessitating it. Russia has annexed Ukraine's Crimean peninsula in 2014.

Russia on Monday said that it may deploy nuclear missiles in Europe. The statement has potential to further heighten tensions

Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov told Russia's RIA news agency in an interview that Moscow would have to take the step if NATO refused to engage with it on preventing such an escalation.

Missiles that Russia has threatened to deploy are Intermediate nuclear missiles.

(With inputs from agencies)

UK PM Boris Johnson on Monday warned Russian president Vladimir Putin on call and said that invasion against Ukraine would be a 'mistake' which would have 'significant consequences' "The Prime Minister emphasised the UK's commitment to Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty, and warned that any destabilising action would be a strategic mistake that would have significant consequences," a spokesman said.

UK PM Boris Johnson on Monday warned Russian president Vladimir Putin on call and said that invasion against Ukraine would be a 'mistake' which would have 'significant consequences' "The Prime Minister emphasised the UK's commitment to Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty, and warned that any destabilising action would be a strategic mistake that would have significant consequences," a spokesman said. "He expressed the United Kingdom's deep concern over the build-up of Russian forces on Ukraine's border, and reiterated the importance of working through diplomatic channels to deescalate tensions and identify durable solutions." There is tension between Russia and Western countries over situation at Ukraine-Russia border. Russia has massed troops at the border and blaming Ukraine for necessitating it. Russia has annexed Ukraine's Crimean peninsula in 2014. Russia on Monday said that it may deploy nuclear missiles in Europe. The statement has potential to further heighten tensions Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov told Russia's RIA news agency in an interview that Moscow would have to take the step if NATO refused to engage with it on preventing such an escalation. Missiles that Russia has threatened to deploy are Intermediate nuclear missiles. (With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine invasion would be a costly mistake, Boris Johnson warns Putin

Amid tensions with Russia at the border, Boris Johnson's government said it has begun supplying anti-tank weapons to Ukraine amid reports of an imminent Russian invasion.

British defence secretary Ben Wallace told parliament that the government was sending "short-range" weapons which pose no threat to Russia but it is for Ukraine's "self-defence".

"If tanks were to roll into Ukraine, invade it, then they would be part of the defence mechanism," Wallace told parliamentarians.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/to-deter-russian-aggression-canada-sends-special-forces-operators-small-contingent-to-ukraine-says-report-445569">Also Read:&nbsp;Canada sends special forces operators’ small contingent to Ukraine</a>

Meanwhile, Russian soldiers took part in a military exercise near the Ukrainian border amid tensions in the&nbsp;Kamensk-Shakhtinsky region as the soldiers reportedly carried out fortification and mining exercises.

The US and Ukraine have warned that Putin's regime is ready to launch an attack on Kyiv with over 100,000 troops amassed at the border with tanks and heavy artillery.

Watch:&nbsp;US, Russia harden stance over Ukraine crisis

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Russia has dismissed claims it is about to invade Ukraine however it has insisted that Russian troops have the right to move about freely anywhere inside the country.

Russia had recently submitted a security document to the US and NATO in which it said the European security alliance should not induct ex-Soviet countries into its fold, referring to Ukraine. NATO has however rejected Russia's demand.

European countries including Germany have demanded Russia "de-escalate the situation" at the border warning that an invasion could lead to "serious political as well as economic consequences" for Russia.

However, Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov said that the country's leadership "is capable of protecting its interests both in terms of security and in terms of ensuring the rights of Russian citizens".

(With inputs from Agencies)&nbsp;

Amid tensions with Russia at the border, Boris Johnson's government said it has begun supplying anti-tank weapons to Ukraine amid reports of an imminent Russian invasion.

Amid tensions with Russia at the border, Boris Johnson's government said it has begun supplying anti-tank weapons to Ukraine amid reports of an imminent Russian invasion. British defence secretary Ben Wallace told parliament that the government was sending "short-range" weapons which pose no threat to Russia but it is for Ukraine's "self-defence". "If tanks were to roll into Ukraine, invade it, then they would be part of the defence mechanism," Wallace told parliamentarians. Also Read: Canada sends special forces operators’ small contingent to Ukraine Meanwhile, Russian soldiers took part in a military exercise near the Ukrainian border amid tensions in the Kamensk-Shakhtinsky region as the soldiers reportedly carried out fortification and mining exercises. The US and Ukraine have warned that Putin's regime is ready to launch an attack on Kyiv with over 100,000 troops amassed at the border with tanks and heavy artillery. Watch: US, Russia harden stance over Ukraine crisis Russia has dismissed claims it is about to invade Ukraine however it has insisted that Russian troops have the right to move about freely anywhere inside the country. Russia had recently submitted a security document to the US and NATO in which it said the European security alliance should not induct ex-Soviet countries into its fold, referring to Ukraine. NATO has however rejected Russia's demand. European countries including Germany have demanded Russia "de-escalate the situation" at the border warning that an invasion could lead to "serious political as well as economic consequences" for Russia. However, Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov said that the country's leadership "is capable of protecting its interests both in terms of security and in terms of ensuring the rights of Russian citizens". (With inputs from Agencies)

UK supplies anti-tank weapons to Ukraine amid tensions with Russia

There are no signs of de-escalation at the Russia-Ukrainian border where an estimated 100,000 Russian troops have been deployed but for what this is not yet clear. Russia maintains that it has no plans of an invasion the West believes otherwise and both sides are preparing for the worst.

Biden says 'willing to sanction Putin' if Russia invades Ukraine

We knew this was coming.

“George, you have to understand that Ukraine is not even a country. Part of its territory is in Eastern Europe and the greater part was given to us.” These were the ominous words of President Vladimir Putin of Russia to President George W. Bush in Bucharest, Romania, at a NATO summit in April 2008.

Mr. Putin was furious: NATO had just announced that Ukraine and Georgia would eventually join the alliance. This was a compromise formula to allay concerns of our European allies — an explicit promise to join the bloc, but no specific timeline for membership.

At the time, I was the national intelligence officer for Russia and Eurasia, part of a team briefing Mr. Bush. We warned him that Mr. Putin would view steps to bring Ukraine and Georgia closer to NATO as a provocative move that would likely provoke pre-emptive Russian military action. But ultimately, our warnings weren’t heeded.

Within four months, in August 2008, Russia invaded Georgia. Ukraine got Russia’s message loud and clear. It backpedaled on NATO membership for the next several years. But in 2014, Ukraine wanted to sign an association agreement with the European Union, thinking this might be a safer route to the West. Moscow struck again, accusing Ukraine of seeking a back door to NATO, annexing Ukraine’s Crimean peninsula and starting an ongoing proxy war in Ukraine’s southeastern Donbas region. The West’s muted reactions to both the 2008 and 2014 invasions emboldened Mr. Putin.

This time, Mr. Putin’s aim is bigger than closing NATO’s “open door” to Ukraine and taking more territory — he wants to evict the United States from Europe. As he might put it: “Goodbye America. Don’t let the door hit you on the way out.”

As I have seen over two decades of observing Mr. Putin, and analyzing his moves, his actions are purposeful and his choice of this moment to throw down the gauntlet in Ukraine and Europe is very intentional. He has a personal obsession with history and anniversaries. December 2021 marked the 30th anniversary of the dissolution of the Soviet Union, when Russia lost its dominant position in Europe. Mr. Putin wants to give the United States a taste of the same bitter medicine Russia had to swallow in the 1990s. He believes that the United States is currently in the same predicament as Russia was after the Soviet collapse: grievously weakened at home and in retreat abroad. He also thinks NATO is nothing more than an extension of the United States. Russian officials and commentators routinely deny any agency or independent strategic thought to other NATO members. So, when it comes to the alliance, all Moscow’s moves are directed against Washington.

In the 1990s, the United States and NATO forced Russia to withdraw the remnants of the Soviet military from their bases in Eastern Europe, Germany and the Baltic States. Mr. Putin wants the United States to suffer in a similar way. From Russia’s perspective, America’s domestic travails after four years of President Donald Trump’s disastrous presidency, as well as the rifts he created with U.S. allies and then America’s precipitous withdrawal from Afghanistan, signal weakness. If Russia presses hard enough, Mr. Putin hopes he can strike a new security deal with NATO and Europe to avoid an open-ended conflict, and then it will be America’s turn to leave, taking its troops and missiles with it.

Ukraine is both Russia’s target and a source of leverage against the United States. Over the last several months Mr. Putin has bogged the Biden administration down in endless tactical games that put the United States on the defensive. Russia moves forces to Ukraine’s borders, launches war games and ramps up the visceral commentary. In recent official documents, it demanded ironclad guarantees that Ukraine (and other former republics of the U.S.S.R.) will never become members of NATO, that NATO pull back from positions taken after 1997, and also that America withdraw its own forces and weapons, including its nuclear missiles. Russian representatives assert that Moscow doesn’t “need peace at any cost” in Europe. Some Russian politicians even suggest the possibility of a pre-emptive strike against NATO targets to make sure that we know they are serious, and that we should meet Moscow’s demands.

For weeks, American officials have huddled to make sense of the official documents with Russia’s demands and the contradictory commentary, pondered how to deter Mr. Putin in Ukraine and scrambled to talk on his timeline.

All the while, Mr. Putin and his proxies have ratcheted up their statements. Kremlin officials have not just challenged the legitimacy of America’s position in Europe, they have raised questions about America’s bases in Japan and its role in the Asia-Pacific region. They have also intimated that they may ship hypersonic missiles to America’s back door in Cuba and Venezuela to revive what the Russians call the Caribbean Crisis of the 1960s.

Mr. Putin is a master of coercive inducement. He manufactures a crisis in such a way that he can win no matter what anyone else does. Threats and promises are essentially one and the same. Mr. Putin can invade Ukraine yet again, or he can leave things where they are and just consolidate the territory Russia effectively controls in Crimea and Donbas. He can stir up trouble in Japan and send hypersonic missiles to Cuba and Venezuela, or not, if things go his way in Europe.

Mr. Putin plays a longer, strategic game and knows how to prevail in the tactical scrum. He has the United States right where he wants it. His posturing and threats have set the agenda in European security debates, and have drawn our full attention. Unlike President Biden, Mr. Putin doesn’t have to worry about midterm elections or pushback from his own party or the opposition. Mr. Putin has no concerns about bad press or poor poll ratings. He isn’t part of a political party and he has crushed the Russian opposition. The Kremlin has largely silenced the local, independent press. Mr. Putin is up for re-election in 2024, but his only viable opponent, Aleksei Navalny, is locked in a penal colony outside of Moscow.

So Mr. Putin can act as he chooses, when he chooses. Barring ill health, the United States will have to contend with him for years to come. Right now, all signs indicate that Mr. Putin will lock the U.S. into an endless tactical game, take more chunks out of Ukraine and exploit all the frictions and fractures in NATO and the European Union. Getting out of the current crisis requires acting, not reacting. The United States needs to shape the diplomatic response and engage Russia on the West’s terms, not just Moscow’s.

To be sure, Russia does have some legitimate security concerns, and European security arrangements could certainly do with fresh thinking and refurbishment after 30 years. There is plenty for Washington and Moscow to discuss on the conventional and nuclear forces as well as in the cyber domain and on other fronts. But a further Russian invasion of Ukraine and Ukraine’s dismemberment and neutralization cannot be an issue for U.S.-Russian negotiation nor a line item in European security. Ultimately, the United States needs to show Mr. Putin that he will face global resistance and Mr. Putin’s aggression will put Russia’s political and economic relationships at risk far beyond Europe.

Contrary to Mr. Putin’s premise in 2008 that Ukraine is “not a real country,” Ukraine has been a full-fledged member of the United Nations since 1991. Another Russian assault would challenge the entire U.N. system and imperil the arrangements that have guaranteed member states’ sovereignty since World War II — akin to the Iraq invasion of Kuwait in 1990, but on an even bigger scale. The United States and its allies, and Ukraine itself, should take this issue to the United Nations and put it before the General Assembly as well as the Security Council. Even if Russia blocks a resolution, the future of Ukraine merits a global response. The United States should also raise concerns in other regional institutions. Why is Russia trying to take its disputes in Europe to Asia and the Western Hemisphere? What does Ukraine have to do with Japan, or Cuba and Venezuela?

Mr. Biden has promised that Russia “will pay a heavy price” if any Russian troops cross Ukraine’s borders. If Mr. Putin invades Ukraine with no punitive action from the West and the rest of the international community, beyond financial sanctions, then he will have set a precedent for future action by other countries. Mr. Putin has already factored additional U.S. financial sanctions into his calculations. But he assumes that some NATO allies will be reluctant to follow suit on these sanctions and other countries will look the other way. U.N. censure, widespread and vocal international opposition, and countries outside Europe taking action to pull back on their relations with Russia might give him pause. Forging a united front with its European allies and rallying broader support should be America’s longer game. Otherwise this saga could indeed mark the beginning of the end of America’s military presence in Europe.

We knew this was coming. “George, you have to understand that Ukraine is not even a country. Part of its territory is in Eastern Europe and the greater part was given to us.

We knew this was coming. “George, you have to understand that Ukraine is not even a country. Part of its territory is in Eastern Europe and the greater part was given to us.” These were the ominous words of President Vladimir Putin of Russia to President George W. Bush in Bucharest, Romania, at a NATO summit in April 2008. Mr. Putin was furious: NATO had just announced that Ukraine and Georgia would eventually join the alliance. This was a compromise formula to allay concerns of our European allies — an explicit promise to join the bloc, but no specific timeline for membership. At the time, I was the national intelligence officer for Russia and Eurasia, part of a team briefing Mr. Bush. We warned him that Mr. Putin would view steps to bring Ukraine and Georgia closer to NATO as a provocative move that would likely provoke pre-emptive Russian military action. But ultimately, our warnings weren’t heeded. Within four months, in August 2008, Russia invaded Georgia. Ukraine got Russia’s message loud and clear. It backpedaled on NATO membership for the next several years. But in 2014, Ukraine wanted to sign an association agreement with the European Union, thinking this might be a safer route to the West. Moscow struck again, accusing Ukraine of seeking a back door to NATO, annexing Ukraine’s Crimean peninsula and starting an ongoing proxy war in Ukraine’s southeastern Donbas region. The West’s muted reactions to both the 2008 and 2014 invasions emboldened Mr. Putin. This time, Mr. Putin’s aim is bigger than closing NATO’s “open door” to Ukraine and taking more territory — he wants to evict the United States from Europe. As he might put it: “Goodbye America. Don’t let the door hit you on the way out.” As I have seen over two decades of observing Mr. Putin, and analyzing his moves, his actions are purposeful and his choice of this moment to throw down the gauntlet in Ukraine and Europe is very intentional. He has a personal obsession with history and anniversaries. December 2021 marked the 30th anniversary of the dissolution of the Soviet Union, when Russia lost its dominant position in Europe. Mr. Putin wants to give the United States a taste of the same bitter medicine Russia had to swallow in the 1990s. He believes that the United States is currently in the same predicament as Russia was after the Soviet collapse: grievously weakened at home and in retreat abroad. He also thinks NATO is nothing more than an extension of the United States. Russian officials and commentators routinely deny any agency or independent strategic thought to other NATO members. So, when it comes to the alliance, all Moscow’s moves are directed against Washington. In the 1990s, the United States and NATO forced Russia to withdraw the remnants of the Soviet military from their bases in Eastern Europe, Germany and the Baltic States. Mr. Putin wants the United States to suffer in a similar way. From Russia’s perspective, America’s domestic travails after four years of President Donald Trump’s disastrous presidency, as well as the rifts he created with U.S. allies and then America’s precipitous withdrawal from Afghanistan, signal weakness. If Russia presses hard enough, Mr. Putin hopes he can strike a new security deal with NATO and Europe to avoid an open-ended conflict, and then it will be America’s turn to leave, taking its troops and missiles with it. Ukraine is both Russia’s target and a source of leverage against the United States. Over the last several months Mr. Putin has bogged the Biden administration down in endless tactical games that put the United States on the defensive. Russia moves forces to Ukraine’s borders, launches war games and ramps up the visceral commentary. In recent official documents, it demanded ironclad guarantees that Ukraine (and other former republics of the U.S.S.R.) will never become members of NATO, that NATO pull back from positions taken after 1997, and also that America withdraw its own forces and weapons, including its nuclear missiles. Russian representatives assert that Moscow doesn’t “need peace at any cost” in Europe. Some Russian politicians even suggest the possibility of a pre-emptive strike against NATO targets to make sure that we know they are serious, and that we should meet Moscow’s demands. For weeks, American officials have huddled to make sense of the official documents with Russia’s demands and the contradictory commentary, pondered how to deter Mr. Putin in Ukraine and scrambled to talk on his timeline. All the while, Mr. Putin and his proxies have ratcheted up their statements. Kremlin officials have not just challenged the legitimacy of America’s position in Europe, they have raised questions about America’s bases in Japan and its role in the Asia-Pacific region. They have also intimated that they may ship hypersonic missiles to America’s back door in Cuba and Venezuela to revive what the Russians call the Caribbean Crisis of the 1960s. Mr. Putin is a master of coercive inducement. He manufactures a crisis in such a way that he can win no matter what anyone else does. Threats and promises are essentially one and the same. Mr. Putin can invade Ukraine yet again, or he can leave things where they are and just consolidate the territory Russia effectively controls in Crimea and Donbas. He can stir up trouble in Japan and send hypersonic missiles to Cuba and Venezuela, or not, if things go his way in Europe. Mr. Putin plays a longer, strategic game and knows how to prevail in the tactical scrum. He has the United States right where he wants it. His posturing and threats have set the agenda in European security debates, and have drawn our full attention. Unlike President Biden, Mr. Putin doesn’t have to worry about midterm elections or pushback from his own party or the opposition. Mr. Putin has no concerns about bad press or poor poll ratings. He isn’t part of a political party and he has crushed the Russian opposition. The Kremlin has largely silenced the local, independent press. Mr. Putin is up for re-election in 2024, but his only viable opponent, Aleksei Navalny, is locked in a penal colony outside of Moscow. So Mr. Putin can act as he chooses, when he chooses. Barring ill health, the United States will have to contend with him for years to come. Right now, all signs indicate that Mr. Putin will lock the U.S. into an endless tactical game, take more chunks out of Ukraine and exploit all the frictions and fractures in NATO and the European Union. Getting out of the current crisis requires acting, not reacting. The United States needs to shape the diplomatic response and engage Russia on the West’s terms, not just Moscow’s. To be sure, Russia does have some legitimate security concerns, and European security arrangements could certainly do with fresh thinking and refurbishment after 30 years. There is plenty for Washington and Moscow to discuss on the conventional and nuclear forces as well as in the cyber domain and on other fronts. But a further Russian invasion of Ukraine and Ukraine’s dismemberment and neutralization cannot be an issue for U.S.-Russian negotiation nor a line item in European security. Ultimately, the United States needs to show Mr. Putin that he will face global resistance and Mr. Putin’s aggression will put Russia’s political and economic relationships at risk far beyond Europe. Contrary to Mr. Putin’s premise in 2008 that Ukraine is “not a real country,” Ukraine has been a full-fledged member of the United Nations since 1991. Another Russian assault would challenge the entire U.N. system and imperil the arrangements that have guaranteed member states’ sovereignty since World War II — akin to the Iraq invasion of Kuwait in 1990, but on an even bigger scale. The United States and its allies, and Ukraine itself, should take this issue to the United Nations and put it before the General Assembly as well as the Security Council. Even if Russia blocks a resolution, the future of Ukraine merits a global response. The United States should also raise concerns in other regional institutions. Why is Russia trying to take its disputes in Europe to Asia and the Western Hemisphere? What does Ukraine have to do with Japan, or Cuba and Venezuela? Mr. Biden has promised that Russia “will pay a heavy price” if any Russian troops cross Ukraine’s borders. If Mr. Putin invades Ukraine with no punitive action from the West and the rest of the international community, beyond financial sanctions, then he will have set a precedent for future action by other countries. Mr. Putin has already factored additional U.S. financial sanctions into his calculations. But he assumes that some NATO allies will be reluctant to follow suit on these sanctions and other countries will look the other way. U.N. censure, widespread and vocal international opposition, and countries outside Europe taking action to pull back on their relations with Russia might give him pause. Forging a united front with its European allies and rallying broader support should be America’s longer game. Otherwise this saga could indeed mark the beginning of the end of America’s military presence in Europe.

Putin has the US right where he wants it

The West would stand together to fight for democracy against dictatorships, Britain warned Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The dictatorships were emboldened more than any time since the Cold War, it said. &nbsp;

British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss, who will be speaking in Australia, will say the West must respond together to global threats. It should also deepen ties with democracies in the Indo-Pacific and "face down global aggressors". &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-clarifies-over-russia-remark-ukraine-says-there-are-no-minor-incursions-and-small-nations-446313" hreflang="en">Biden clarifies Russia remark; Ukraine says there are no 'minor incursions'</a>

In a speech at the Lowy Institute in Sydney, Truss will say that global aggressors "are emboldened in a way we haven’t seen since the Cold War." &nbsp;&nbsp;

"They seek to export dictatorship as a service around the world. That is why regimes like Belarus, North Korea and Myanmar find their closest allies in Moscow and Beijing," Truss will further say. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-china-block-us-bid-to-impose-un-sanctions-on-north-koreans-446312">Russia, China block US bid to impose UN sanctions on North Koreans</a>

According to Truss, the West, should work with allies, such as India, Japan, Israel, Australia and Indonesia to "face down global aggressors", especially in the Pacific. &nbsp;

"It is time for the free world to stand its ground," Truss will add. &nbsp;

Truss will also warn Putin to "desist and step back from Ukraine before he makes a massive strategic mistake." &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The West would stand together to fight for democracy against dictatorships, Britain warned Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday.

The West would stand together to fight for democracy against dictatorships, Britain warned Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday. The dictatorships were emboldened more than any time since the Cold War, it said. British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss, who will be speaking in Australia, will say the West must respond together to global threats. It should also deepen ties with democracies in the Indo-Pacific and "face down global aggressors". Also Read: Biden clarifies Russia remark; Ukraine says there are no 'minor incursions' In a speech at the Lowy Institute in Sydney, Truss will say that global aggressors "are emboldened in a way we haven’t seen since the Cold War." "They seek to export dictatorship as a service around the world. That is why regimes like Belarus, North Korea and Myanmar find their closest allies in Moscow and Beijing," Truss will further say. Also Read: Russia, China block US bid to impose UN sanctions on North Koreans According to Truss, the West, should work with allies, such as India, Japan, Israel, Australia and Indonesia to "face down global aggressors", especially in the Pacific. "It is time for the free world to stand its ground," Truss will add. Truss will also warn Putin to "desist and step back from Ukraine before he makes a massive strategic mistake." (With inputs from agencies)

West to stand together in fight against dictatorships, Britain warns Putin, Xi

US and Russian diplomats have begun talks over Ukraine in Geneva. The negotiations come amid a rare unrest in Kazakhstan, that led to a Russian intervention. Palki Sharma tell you whether Putin has overplayed his hand.

Gravitas: Ukraine & Kazakhstan: Putin's twin challenges

On Monday, Russian President Vladimir Putin blamed Kazakhstan's violent upheaval on damaging domestic and external forces, saying the Russian-led CSTO military alliance will not enable ex-Soviet "colour revolutions" to topple its member states.

By video link, he assured the leaders of the Russian-led Collective Security Treaty Organisation that the deployment of CSTO forces had stopped armed groups from undermining Kazakhstan's power structure.&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kazakhstan-unrest-what-sparked-the-protests-and-how-they-will-affect-global-geopolitics-443011">Also read | Kazakhstan unrest: What sparked the protests and how they will affect global geopolitics</a>

"Of course, we understand the events in Kazakhstan are not the first and far from the last attempt to interfere in the internal affairs of our states from the outside," Putin said.

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"The measures taken by the CSTO have clearly shown we will not allow the situation to be rocked at home and will not allow so-called 'colour revolutions' to take place," he said, referring to several popular ex-Soviet uprisings in the last two decades.

During large anti-government protests last week, thousands of people were detained and numerous public buildings were set on fire.

He stated that the CSTO contingent would be withdrawn after their duty was completed and Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev determined that they were no longer required.

Watch | Gravitas: Kazakh president issues 'shoot to kill' order

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-kazakh-president-issues-shoot-to-kill-order-443023/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Watch | Russia angrily responds to Blinken's recent comments over Kazakhstan

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-angrily-responds-to-blinkens-recent-comments-over-kazakhstan-443273/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Putin made the remarks during a speech by Tokayev, whom he commended for his bravery.

Order had been restored, but the hunt for "terrorists" was still ongoing, according to the Kazakh leader.

Protests against Tokayev's government and the man he replaced as president, 81-year-old Nursultan Nazarbayev, began over a fuel price hike before erupting into a larger demonstration against Tokayev's administration and the man he replaced as president, Nursultan Nazarbayev.&nbsp;

"The threat to Kazakhstan's statehood arose not because of spontaneous protests and rallies concerning fuel prices. It is because destructive internal and external forces took advantage of the situation, " Putin said.

(With inputs from agencies)

On Monday, Russian President Vladimir Putin blamed Kazakhstan's violent upheaval on damaging domestic and external forces, saying the Russian-led CSTO military alliance will not enable ex-Soviet "colour revolutions" to topple its member states.

On Monday, Russian President Vladimir Putin blamed Kazakhstan's violent upheaval on damaging domestic and external forces, saying the Russian-led CSTO military alliance will not enable ex-Soviet "colour revolutions" to topple its member states. By video link, he assured the leaders of the Russian-led Collective Security Treaty Organisation that the deployment of CSTO forces had stopped armed groups from undermining Kazakhstan's power structure. Also read | Kazakhstan unrest: What sparked the protests and how they will affect global geopolitics "Of course, we understand the events in Kazakhstan are not the first and far from the last attempt to interfere in the internal affairs of our states from the outside," Putin said. Almost 8,000 people have been arrested around the country after protests sparked by an increase in fuel prices evolved into the country's worst unrest in its 30 years of independence. × "The measures taken by the CSTO have clearly shown we will not allow the situation to be rocked at home and will not allow so-called 'colour revolutions' to take place," he said, referring to several popular ex-Soviet uprisings in the last two decades. During large anti-government protests last week, thousands of people were detained and numerous public buildings were set on fire. He stated that the CSTO contingent would be withdrawn after their duty was completed and Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev determined that they were no longer required. Watch | Gravitas: Kazakh president issues 'shoot to kill' order Watch | Russia angrily responds to Blinken's recent comments over Kazakhstan Putin made the remarks during a speech by Tokayev, whom he commended for his bravery. Order had been restored, but the hunt for "terrorists" was still ongoing, according to the Kazakh leader. Protests against Tokayev's government and the man he replaced as president, 81-year-old Nursultan Nazarbayev, began over a fuel price hike before erupting into a larger demonstration against Tokayev's administration and the man he replaced as president, Nursultan Nazarbayev. "The threat to Kazakhstan's statehood arose not because of spontaneous protests and rallies concerning fuel prices. It is because destructive internal and external forces took advantage of the situation, " Putin said. (With inputs from agencies)

Russian-led bloc will stymie any coups, says Putin after Kazakhstan riots

Kazakhstan is a country in crisis. Overwhelmed by the public anger, Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has called in Russian paratroopers. What's at stake for the Russian President in Kazakhstan. Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Kazakhstan protests create a new headache for Putin

Russian President Vladimir Putin held a phone call with his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdoğan over the tensions.

Russian President Vladimir Putin held a phone call with his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan

The Presidents of the United States and Russia held a telephonic conversation that lasted about 50 minutes. This is the second such conversation between the world leaders within 3 weeks.

US President Joe Biden warns his Russian Counterpart Vladimir Putin of heavy price over Ukraine

US President Joe Biden spoke for over an hour with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, agreeing to continue and advance their communication ahead of a summit in Geneva early next year.

Their second phone conversation this month occurred amid mounting Western concerns about Russia's force buildup near Ukraine.

The simmering conflict has recently worsened as the Kremlin has stepped up its demands for more security guarantees.&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-trains-civilians-to-defend-against-russian-invasion-440536">Also Read:&nbsp;Ukraine trains civilians to defend against Russian invasion</a>

What was Russia's reaction to the call?

According to Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov, Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned his US counterpart, Joe Biden, that fresh sanctions against Russia over the situation in Ukraine could result in the two countries' relations being severed.

According to Ushakov, Biden warned Putin about further financial, military, and economic sanctions if tensions along Russia's western borders escalated.&nbsp;

"Our president clearly responded that this would be a colossal mistake that of course may result in the full severance of relations," the Kremlin aided said.

He added that such sanctions would have serious consequences and expressed hope this would not happen. 
 
Watch | Ukraine Tensions: Biden and Putin hold 50-minute phone call

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ukraine-tensions-biden-and-putin-hold-50-minute-phone-call-441302/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

He went on to say that, despite the pleasantries shared, the call constituted a concrete political development.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-tensions-with-ukraine-russia-inducts-s-550-air-defence-system-report-440960">Also Read:&nbsp;Amid tensions with Ukraine, Russia inducts S-550 air defence system</a>

What about the United States?

According to the White House, Biden told Putin that if Ukraine is invaded, the United States and its allies will respond forcefully.&nbsp;

"President Biden urged Russia to de-escalate tensions with Ukraine, "White House spokesperson Jen Psaki said in a statement.

"He made clear that the United States and its allies and partners will respond decisively if Russia further invades Ukraine," she added.&nbsp; 
 
Thursday`s phone call was the second conversation between Biden and Putin in December. The two leaders spoke on December 7 in a video conference that ended with a pledge to restart diplomatic discussions, Xinhua news agency reported.

(With inputs from agencies)

US President Joe Biden spoke for over an hour with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, agreeing to continue and advance their communication ahead of a summit in Geneva early next year.

US President Joe Biden spoke for over an hour with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, agreeing to continue and advance their communication ahead of a summit in Geneva early next year. Their second phone conversation this month occurred amid mounting Western concerns about Russia's force buildup near Ukraine. The simmering conflict has recently worsened as the Kremlin has stepped up its demands for more security guarantees. Also Read: Ukraine trains civilians to defend against Russian invasion What was Russia's reaction to the call? According to Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov, Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned his US counterpart, Joe Biden, that fresh sanctions against Russia over the situation in Ukraine could result in the two countries' relations being severed. According to Ushakov, Biden warned Putin about further financial, military, and economic sanctions if tensions along Russia's western borders escalated. "Our president clearly responded that this would be a colossal mistake that of course may result in the full severance of relations," the Kremlin aided said. He added that such sanctions would have serious consequences and expressed hope this would not happen. Watch | Ukraine Tensions: Biden and Putin hold 50-minute phone call He went on to say that, despite the pleasantries shared, the call constituted a concrete political development. Also Read: Amid tensions with Ukraine, Russia inducts S-550 air defence system What about the United States? According to the White House, Biden told Putin that if Ukraine is invaded, the United States and its allies will respond forcefully. "President Biden urged Russia to de-escalate tensions with Ukraine, "White House spokesperson Jen Psaki said in a statement. "He made clear that the United States and its allies and partners will respond decisively if Russia further invades Ukraine," she added. Thursday`s phone call was the second conversation between Biden and Putin in December. The two leaders spoke on December 7 in a video conference that ended with a pledge to restart diplomatic discussions, Xinhua news agency reported. (With inputs from agencies)

US-Russia talks: Biden affirms sanctions threat; Putin says that would be colossal mistake

Ukraine Tensions: Biden and Putin hold 50-minute phone call

Biden, Putin hold 50-minute phone call in a bid to ease tensions over Ukraine

Ukraine conflict: Biden, Putin trade warnings during their 50-minute telephonic conversation

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