The United States has asked the Americans living in Ukraine to leave the country as tensions mount over the Ukraine crisis. The diplomacy deadlock on the Ukraine conflict continues.

The US urges Americans in Ukraine to leave as diplomacy deadlock on Ukraine conflict continues

French President Emanuel Macron has embarked on his shuttle diplomacy in an attempt to broker a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine as a threat of war looms large in eastern Europe.

After holding a marathon talk with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, Macron arrived in Kyiv to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

With more than 100,000 Russian troops amassed near the Ukraine borders, there have been claims of the Russian invasion.

After meeting Putin, Macron claimed that he received assurances from Kremlin that they would reduce escalations against Ukraine—which Moscow has denied.

Even though conflicting views were aired, Dr Vera Michlin-Shapir, a visiting research fellow at King’s College London, claims that there might be something to gain out of the talks.

Michlin-Shapir had previously worked at Israel’s National Security Council and in the Prime Minister’s Office. She is an expert on Russia-Israel-Ukraine relations.

Excerpts:

WION: As French President Macron conducts shuttle diplomacy, we’re seeing somewhat conflicting messages coming from Russia and Ukraine. What’s the latest on this?

<a name="_Hlk95338149">Michlin-Shapir</a>: We are still in the midst of the process, obviously there will be conflicting messages, as each actor (state) wants to position. At the end of the day what matters is what comes out of Kremlin.

It seems that they have something to gain out of the talks being pivoted by President Macron.

WION: The Ukrainian FM has indicated that there is a deep cooperation between Israel and Ukraine, and that Ukraine is interested in helping with air defences from Israel. Now Israel, like many countries, has relations with Ukraine and Russia...but it’s also in a tricky situation because of the large Jewish communities in both countries…Do you think Israel will share, perhaps its Iron Dome technology, to help Ukraine defend itself from any missile attack?

Michlin-Shapir: In this kind of relationship (i.e. Israel-Ukraine and Israel-Russia) one of the things not being mentioned is the relationship Israel has with the US. And in many ways, it decides Israel's direction. Now, Israel also has Russia at its Northern flank with Syria, with whom it has a very strategic relationship.

Now, Russia has bilateral relations with Syria and is also eager to help Israel with its security.&nbsp;Israel has communities in Russia and also in Ukraine.&nbsp;

In sensitive issues like sharing its advanced weapons systems, Israel works in coordination with the US.&nbsp;

WION: Israeli Foreign Minister, Yair Lapid, has reportedly been speaking with both Ukraine and Russia. Last week he said that he does not believe there will soon be a violent conflict between the two countries. What’s your assessment?

Michlin-Shapir: In both Russia and Ukraine, you can see a diminished sense of conflict. The imminence of conflict is actually coming from the US.

Their intelligence community is assessing the conflict to be imminent, which is different from what we are hearing from Ukraine and Russia.

The US intelligence is apparently basing its assessment on what's happening at the border. And what is being observed at the borders is amassing of troops.

WION: Are there any meeting grounds between Russia and Ukraine, with Moscow underlining the Minsk agreement &amp; Ukraine consenting as well? Or there are sticking points within still?

Michlin-Shapir: One of the biggest sticking points is that both sides may have something to gain.

The cost to Russia is lesser as it's richer, bigger and stronger. For Ukraine, it would be devastating, similar to the one they underwent eight years ago, when Crimea was annexed in 2014.

Now, Macron is trying to create a common ground,&nbsp;since&nbsp;there is nothing to gain out of the conflict.&nbsp; And this is what makes it so difficult to reach an agreement

So, maybe a lack of political will at this point can be blamed.

French President Emanuel Macron has embarked on his shuttle diplomacy in an attempt to broker a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine as a threat of war looms large in eastern Europe.

French President Emanuel Macron has embarked on his shuttle diplomacy in an attempt to broker a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine as a threat of war looms large in eastern Europe. After holding a marathon talk with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, Macron arrived in Kyiv to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. With more than 100,000 Russian troops amassed near the Ukraine borders, there have been claims of the Russian invasion. After meeting Putin, Macron claimed that he received assurances from Kremlin that they would reduce escalations against Ukraine—which Moscow has denied. Even though conflicting views were aired, Dr Vera Michlin-Shapir, a visiting research fellow at King’s College London, claims that there might be something to gain out of the talks. Michlin-Shapir had previously worked at Israel’s National Security Council and in the Prime Minister’s Office. She is an expert on Russia-Israel-Ukraine relations. Excerpts: WION: As French President Macron conducts shuttle diplomacy, we’re seeing somewhat conflicting messages coming from Russia and Ukraine. What’s the latest on this? Michlin-Shapir: We are still in the midst of the process, obviously there will be conflicting messages, as each actor (state) wants to position. At the end of the day what matters is what comes out of Kremlin. It seems that they have something to gain out of the talks being pivoted by President Macron. WION: The Ukrainian FM has indicated that there is a deep cooperation between Israel and Ukraine, and that Ukraine is interested in helping with air defences from Israel. Now Israel, like many countries, has relations with Ukraine and Russia...but it’s also in a tricky situation because of the large Jewish communities in both countries…Do you think Israel will share, perhaps its Iron Dome technology, to help Ukraine defend itself from any missile attack? Michlin-Shapir: In this kind of relationship (i.e. Israel-Ukraine and Israel-Russia) one of the things not being mentioned is the relationship Israel has with the US. And in many ways, it decides Israel's direction. Now, Israel also has Russia at its Northern flank with Syria, with whom it has a very strategic relationship. Now, Russia has bilateral relations with Syria and is also eager to help Israel with its security. Israel has communities in Russia and also in Ukraine. In sensitive issues like sharing its advanced weapons systems, Israel works in coordination with the US. WION: Israeli Foreign Minister, Yair Lapid, has reportedly been speaking with both Ukraine and Russia. Last week he said that he does not believe there will soon be a violent conflict between the two countries. What’s your assessment? Michlin-Shapir: In both Russia and Ukraine, you can see a diminished sense of conflict. The imminence of conflict is actually coming from the US. Their intelligence community is assessing the conflict to be imminent, which is different from what we are hearing from Ukraine and Russia. The US intelligence is apparently basing its assessment on what's happening at the border. And what is being observed at the borders is amassing of troops. WION: Are there any meeting grounds between Russia and Ukraine, with Moscow underlining the Minsk agreement & Ukraine consenting as well? Or there are sticking points within still? Michlin-Shapir: One of the biggest sticking points is that both sides may have something to gain. The cost to Russia is lesser as it's richer, bigger and stronger. For Ukraine, it would be devastating, similar to the one they underwent eight years ago, when Crimea was annexed in 2014. Now, Macron is trying to create a common ground, since there is nothing to gain out of the conflict. And this is what makes it so difficult to reach an agreement So, maybe a lack of political will at this point can be blamed.

Something might be gained out of Macron’s meeting with Ukraine: Expert to WION

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov issued a stern warning on Thursday saying that western threats to Moscow would do little to de-escalate tensions over Ukraine.

His comments came during a meeting with British Foreign Minister Liz Truss in Moscow during the latest round of diplomatic meetings aimed at normalising the tense situation over Ukraine.

"Ideological approaches, ultimatums, threats — this is the road to nowhere," AFP quoted Lavrov as saying at the start of talks.

The Russian foreign minister lashed out at diplomats in the European capitals and Washington for using threats and ultimatums against Russia, saying that their approach was undiplomatic.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-crisis-russia-continues-to-deploy-more-forces-adding-tactical-groups-says-us-451895">Ukraine crisis: Russia continues to deploy more forces, adding tactical groups, says US</a>

The European countries have been tense ever since reports emerged that Russia has amassed more than 100,000 troops near the Ukraine borders, triggering fears of an invasion.

In her opening remarks, Truss said Britain “cannot ignore” the build-up of troops on Ukraine's border or “attempts to undermine Ukrainian sovereignty.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/russias-dagger-on-ukraine-kinzhal-hypersonic-missiles-can-degrade-high-value-targets-447431">Also Read in Pics|&nbsp;Russia's 'Dagger' on Ukraine: Kinzhal hypersonic missiles can degrade high value targets</a>

“There is an alternative route, a diplomatic route that avoids conflict and bloodshed,” she said, adding, “I am here to urge Russia to take that path.”

The meeting in Moscow comes ahead of another between Britain's Defence Secretary Ben Wallace and his Russian counterpart Sergei Shoigu in Moscow on Friday. &nbsp;

There has been a flurry of diplomatic talks this week between the European leaders and Russia over fears that Ukraine escalation could lead to a war-like situation in eastern Europe.

On Tuesday, French President Emmanuel Macron met Vladimir Putin in Moscow and then visited Ukraine the next day in an attempt to defuse the ongoing tension.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov issued a stern warning on Thursday saying that western threats to Moscow would do little to de-escalate tensions over Ukraine.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov issued a stern warning on Thursday saying that western threats to Moscow would do little to de-escalate tensions over Ukraine. His comments came during a meeting with British Foreign Minister Liz Truss in Moscow during the latest round of diplomatic meetings aimed at normalising the tense situation over Ukraine. "Ideological approaches, ultimatums, threats — this is the road to nowhere," AFP quoted Lavrov as saying at the start of talks. The Russian foreign minister lashed out at diplomats in the European capitals and Washington for using threats and ultimatums against Russia, saying that their approach was undiplomatic. Also read | Ukraine crisis: Russia continues to deploy more forces, adding tactical groups, says US The European countries have been tense ever since reports emerged that Russia has amassed more than 100,000 troops near the Ukraine borders, triggering fears of an invasion. In her opening remarks, Truss said Britain “cannot ignore” the build-up of troops on Ukraine's border or “attempts to undermine Ukrainian sovereignty.” Also Read in Pics| Russia's 'Dagger' on Ukraine: Kinzhal hypersonic missiles can degrade high value targets “There is an alternative route, a diplomatic route that avoids conflict and bloodshed,” she said, adding, “I am here to urge Russia to take that path.” The meeting in Moscow comes ahead of another between Britain's Defence Secretary Ben Wallace and his Russian counterpart Sergei Shoigu in Moscow on Friday. There has been a flurry of diplomatic talks this week between the European leaders and Russia over fears that Ukraine escalation could lead to a war-like situation in eastern Europe. On Tuesday, French President Emmanuel Macron met Vladimir Putin in Moscow and then visited Ukraine the next day in an attempt to defuse the ongoing tension. (With inputs from agencies)

Ultimatums, threats from West on Ukraine won’t work against Russia, says foreign minister

Expressing concern over increasing tensions between Russia and Ukraine, Pope Francis hoped that the talks between the two countries, adding that a war in the eastern European country “would be madness”.

Speaking at his Wednesday general audience, Francis thanked those who took part in his January 26 international day of prayer for peace in Ukraine.

“Let us continue to beg the God of peace so that the tensions and threats of war can be overcome through a serious dialogue and that the Normandy Format talks can contribute to this aim,” he said, referring to negotiations involving Russia and Ukraine, facilitated by Germany and France.

“And let's not forget. War is madness,” he said.

Russia has reportedly gathered troops near the Ukraine borders, stoking fears of an invasion. But Kremlin has reputedly denied the accusations made by the West and maintained that it doesn’t intend to repeat the 2014 skirmish that led to the annexation of Crimea.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-crisis-macron-pushes-for-peace-as-russian-warships-head-to-the-black-sea-for-drills-451586" hreflang="en">Ukraine row: Macron pushes for peace as Russian warships get ready for drills</a>

Most Ukrainians follow Orthodox Christianity, but the country is also home to its own branch of the Catholic Church, which practices an eastern rite similar to Orthodox worship while proclaiming loyalty to the Pope in Rome.

Earlier in the day, French President Emmanuel Macron, who is in Moscow to meet his counterpart Vladimir Putin, said that he was assured that Kremlin would not escalate the Ukrainian crisis.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/it-would-be-wise-for-americans-to-leave-ukraine-says-biden-451453">It 'would be wise' for Americans to leave Ukraine, says Biden</a>

Macron also said it would take time to find a diplomatic solution to the rising tensions, which represent the biggest security crisis between Russia and the West since the Cold War.

His remarks on a visit to Kyiv came as the Kremlin denied reports that he and Putin struck a deal on de-escalating the crisis.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that “in the current situation, Moscow and Paris can’t be reaching any deals.”

(With inputs from agencies)

Expressing concern over increasing tensions between Russia and Ukraine, Pope Francis hoped that the talks between the two countries, adding that a war in the eastern European country “would be madness”.

Expressing concern over increasing tensions between Russia and Ukraine, Pope Francis hoped that the talks between the two countries, adding that a war in the eastern European country “would be madness”. Speaking at his Wednesday general audience, Francis thanked those who took part in his January 26 international day of prayer for peace in Ukraine. “Let us continue to beg the God of peace so that the tensions and threats of war can be overcome through a serious dialogue and that the Normandy Format talks can contribute to this aim,” he said, referring to negotiations involving Russia and Ukraine, facilitated by Germany and France. “And let's not forget. War is madness,” he said. Russia has reportedly gathered troops near the Ukraine borders, stoking fears of an invasion. But Kremlin has reputedly denied the accusations made by the West and maintained that it doesn’t intend to repeat the 2014 skirmish that led to the annexation of Crimea. Also read | Ukraine row: Macron pushes for peace as Russian warships get ready for drills Most Ukrainians follow Orthodox Christianity, but the country is also home to its own branch of the Catholic Church, which practices an eastern rite similar to Orthodox worship while proclaiming loyalty to the Pope in Rome. Earlier in the day, French President Emmanuel Macron, who is in Moscow to meet his counterpart Vladimir Putin, said that he was assured that Kremlin would not escalate the Ukrainian crisis. Also read | It 'would be wise' for Americans to leave Ukraine, says Biden Macron also said it would take time to find a diplomatic solution to the rising tensions, which represent the biggest security crisis between Russia and the West since the Cold War. His remarks on a visit to Kyiv came as the Kremlin denied reports that he and Putin struck a deal on de-escalating the crisis. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that “in the current situation, Moscow and Paris can’t be reaching any deals.” (With inputs from agencies)

‘War is madness’: Pope Francis backs for talks between Ukraine and Russia

US troops arrive in Poland, Germany while Russian bombers fly over Belarus. War fear mounts with possible invasion by Russia.

US troops arrive in Poland, Germany while Russian bombers fly over Belarus

How do Russia & Ukraine compare militarily? Which side are the odds stacked against? Who will have the edge in case of a war? Palki Sharma gets you a head-to-head military comparison.

Ukraine Vs Russia: Comparing the Military capabilities

Ukrainians prep to defend themselves as people prepare for a possible invasion by Ukraine while the world witnesses Beijing Winter Olympics.

Ukrainian ground troops need more ammunition amid a possible invasion by Russia

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Satellite images released by Maxar Technologies show massive troop deployment by Russia close to Ukrainian borders.

Satellite images show stunning visuals of Russian forces deployed close to Ukrainian borders

Tensions are at an all-time high between Russia and Ukraine. Over 100,000 Russian soldiers have been amassed along Ukraine's Eastern border.

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West & Russia amp up troop deployment as war tensions at an all-time high

Most people leave Ukraine's frontline villages amid war tensions with Russia

The United States has threatened to halt the opening of Nord stream 2 gas pipeline if Russia invades Ukraine. However, Germany has said that it would not rule out imposing sanctions on the project.

Amid conflict surrounding Russia & Ukraine, US warns that Nord Stream 2 project could be axed

Seeking to maintain pressure on Russia, US President Joe Biden has announced that he will soon send a small number of US troops to eastern Europe.

US will soon send a small number of troops to eastern Europe amid tensions with Russia over Ukraine

US will soon send a small number of troops to eastern Europe amid tensions with Russia

Here are some of the top stories to start your day:&nbsp;Amid tensions with Russia, US President Joe Biden said he would be moving a small number of troops to eastern Europe even as top US general Mark Miley said the consequences of going to war with Russia would be "horrific" for both sides. Meanwhile, the Biden administration has cancelled US $130 million military aid to Egypt raising concerns over human rights violations.&nbsp;

Click on headlines to read the full report:

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-biden-to-move-troops-to-eastern-europe-amid-russia-tensions-448630" hreflang="en">US President Biden to move troops to eastern Europe amid Russia tensions</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/01/29/236973-rus1.jpg" />US Joint chiefs chairman General Mark Milley, however, warned of consequences adding that a conflict over Ukraine would lead to a "significant amount of casualties" and it would be "horrific" and "terrible". US defence secretary Lloyd Austin said there was still "space for diplomacy" while adding that "conflict is not inevitable".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/over-human-rights-concerns-us-cancels-usd-130-million-military-aid-to-egypt-after-arms-sale-448642">Over human rights concerns, US cancels USD 130 million military aid to Egypt</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/01/29/236993-us-2.jpg" />On Friday, the State Department of the US said that Egypt had not met the conditions to receive the USD 130 million in foreign military financing, which has been on hold since September. The money would be shifted to other programmes, it said, without elaborating. &nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/ba2-subvariant-more-transmissible-than-original-omicron-scientists-448644">BA.2 subvariant more transmissible than original Omicron: Scientists</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/12/18/227412-omi.jpg" />The Omicron variant BA.2 also known as a "stealth Omicron" has surged in UK and Denmark. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said the &nbsp;BA.2 has increased in "proportion" to the original Omicron strain even as the US reported 127 new BA.2 cases.

Watch |&nbsp;Six Germans to go on trial for a $126 million Green Vault jewellery heist

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<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">Watch | Why NATO is putting its forces on standby? Will it come for Ukraine's defence?</div>

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Here are some of the top stories to start your day: Amid tensions with Russia, US President Joe Biden said he would be moving a small number of troops to eastern Europe even as top US general Mark Miley said the consequences of going to war with Russia would be "horrific" for both sides.

Here are some of the top stories to start your day: Amid tensions with Russia, US President Joe Biden said he would be moving a small number of troops to eastern Europe even as top US general Mark Miley said the consequences of going to war with Russia would be "horrific" for both sides. Meanwhile, the Biden administration has cancelled US $130 million military aid to Egypt raising concerns over human rights violations. Click on headlines to read the full report: US President Biden to move troops to eastern Europe amid Russia tensions US Joint chiefs chairman General Mark Milley, however, warned of consequences adding that a conflict over Ukraine would lead to a "significant amount of casualties" and it would be "horrific" and "terrible". US defence secretary Lloyd Austin said there was still "space for diplomacy" while adding that "conflict is not inevitable". Over human rights concerns, US cancels USD 130 million military aid to Egypt On Friday, the State Department of the US said that Egypt had not met the conditions to receive the USD 130 million in foreign military financing, which has been on hold since September. The money would be shifted to other programmes, it said, without elaborating. BA.2 subvariant more transmissible than original Omicron: Scientists The Omicron variant BA.2 also known as a "stealth Omicron" has surged in UK and Denmark. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said the BA.2 has increased in "proportion" to the original Omicron strain even as the US reported 127 new BA.2 cases. Watch | Six Germans to go on trial for a $126 million Green Vault jewellery heist Watch | Why NATO is putting its forces on standby? Will it come for Ukraine's defence?

Morning news brief: US to send troops to eastern Europe, Omicron subvariant more transmissible & more

NATO allies are putting their forces on standby, sending reinforcements to eastern Europe in response to Russia's buildup of troops on Ukraine's borders.

Why NATO is putting its forces on standby? Will it come for Ukraine's defence?

The standoff between Ukraine, Russia and the West continues. The American president Joe Biden has spoken to his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky and has assured support for Ukraine.

Amid standoff between Ukraine, Russia and the West, the US President Biden assures Kyiv of support

Officials from Russia and Ukraine met in Paris to diffuse tension. The United States is now busy issuing fresh warnings over invasion threats.

US answers to Russia's security demands as tensions mount over Ukraine

The latest round of talks between France, Germany, Russia and Ukraine was held in Paris over the Ukraine crisis. The meeting was held as a four-way discussion between the so-called 'Normandy group'.

Normandy Talks: Parties agree to truce in East Ukraine

In the face of a possible Russian invasion, Germany has refused to provide weapons to Ukraine. It has instead offered to send 5,000 helmets.

Germany offers to send 5,000 helmets instead of weapons to Ukraine amid possible Russian invasion

US embassy in Kyiv issues stark warning as Russia begins multiple Military exercises near Ukraine

The global energy market is under pressure amid rising political tensions between Russia and Ukraine. For the first time in seven years, oil prices touched ninety dollar dollars a barrel after surpassing ninety dollars for the first time since October 2014.

Oil prices touch $90 a barrel for the first time in 7 years amid Russia-Ukraine conflict

Despite the rising tensions with Russia, Kyiv residents remain peaceful as Cafes and shops continue with daily footfall.

Ukraine: Kyiv residents remain peaceful even as tensions with Russia soar

Amid ongoing controversies over lockdown parties, UK PM Boris Johnson bats for the country to focus on the Ukraine crisis instead.

PM Boris Johnson: UK should focus on Ukraine crisis

Normandy format talks held in Paris to diffuse tensions over Ukraine

A massive troop buildup and two major nuclear powers on either side, a&nbsp;lot can go wrong.

So, Joe Biden dispatched his top cabinet members to Europe, America's defence and foreign secretaries.&nbsp;

They are talking to European leaders, holding meetings with the Ukrainians and increasing their military presence in Germany. Will this be enough to ensure a Russian troop withdrawal? &nbsp;

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Soldiers are at the border, Sukhois in the air and the navy in the Black Sea. Russia's buildup near Ukraine has alarmed the West. America says all this can't be just a training exercise and Europe is equally worried. They fear a serious escalation at the Ukrainian border. The Ukrainian Foreign Minister is meeting NATO officials. Biden's top diplomats have landed in Europe. Lloyd Austin and Antony Blinken are holding talks in Brussels, the US secretary of state met with his Ukrainian counterpart and reaffirmed America's support to Ukraine. &nbsp;

The US secretary of defence was in Berlin and met his German counterpart. Austin announced that America will increase its military presence in Germany by 500 soldiers. The US has also called off the withdrawal of 12,000 soldiers from Germany. It's a reversal of former president Donald Trump's plans. &nbsp;

Russia is watching the shift. It could have implications for a major energy project, the Nord Stream 2. It's a gas pipeline from Russia to Germany. The Biden administration isn't happy about it. Republicans in the US are demanding sanctions against German companies. What will President Biden do?&nbsp;

Look the other way, for the moment. Russia is raising the spectre of war against Ukraine. Now&nbsp;is not the time to sanction Germany. The United States and NATO are speaking in one voice. America sees Russia's moves as an opportunity to repair ties with Europe. It's an alliance that was battered under Trump. In his four years as president, Trump pulled out of the Iran nuclear deal, slapped tariffs on goods from the European Union and repeatedly questioned NATO members over their contributions to the alliance. &nbsp;

At the same time, Moscow cultivated bilateral ties with key European powers, the Ukrainian misadventure may change the European chessboard. &nbsp;

A massive troop buildup and two major nuclear powers on either side, a lot can go wrong. So, Joe Biden dispatched his top cabinet members to Europe, America's defence and foreign secretaries.

A massive troop buildup and two major nuclear powers on either side, a lot can go wrong. So, Joe Biden dispatched his top cabinet members to Europe, America's defence and foreign secretaries. They are talking to European leaders, holding meetings with the Ukrainians and increasing their military presence in Germany. Will this be enough to ensure a Russian troop withdrawal? Soldiers are at the border, Sukhois in the air and the navy in the Black Sea. Russia's buildup near Ukraine has alarmed the West. America says all this can't be just a training exercise and Europe is equally worried. They fear a serious escalation at the Ukrainian border. The Ukrainian Foreign Minister is meeting NATO officials. Biden's top diplomats have landed in Europe. Lloyd Austin and Antony Blinken are holding talks in Brussels, the US secretary of state met with his Ukrainian counterpart and reaffirmed America's support to Ukraine. The US secretary of defence was in Berlin and met his German counterpart. Austin announced that America will increase its military presence in Germany by 500 soldiers. The US has also called off the withdrawal of 12,000 soldiers from Germany. It's a reversal of former president Donald Trump's plans. Russia is watching the shift. It could have implications for a major energy project, the Nord Stream 2. It's a gas pipeline from Russia to Germany. The Biden administration isn't happy about it. Republicans in the US are demanding sanctions against German companies. What will President Biden do? Look the other way, for the moment. Russia is raising the spectre of war against Ukraine. Now is not the time to sanction Germany. The United States and NATO are speaking in one voice. America sees Russia's moves as an opportunity to repair ties with Europe. It's an alliance that was battered under Trump. In his four years as president, Trump pulled out of the Iran nuclear deal, slapped tariffs on goods from the European Union and repeatedly questioned NATO members over their contributions to the alliance. At the same time, Moscow cultivated bilateral ties with key European powers, the Ukrainian misadventure may change the European chessboard.

With Russia at Ukraine door, US and EU look for options 

US responds to Russia's security demands as tensions mount over Ukraine

Pentagon spokesperson John Kirby has said that the US is aware of allegations of "unusual" Russian military activities near the Ukrainian border and will continue to speak with partners and closely monitor the region.&nbsp;

"We are aware of public reports of unusual Russian military activity near Ukraine and we're going to continue to consult with allies and partners on this issue. I can't speak for Russian intentions, but we are certainly monitoring the region closely as we always do, " Kirby said during a press briefing. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/whats-happening-between-russia-and-ukraine-heres-a-cheat-sheet-377164">Also read | What's happening between Russia and Ukraine? Here's a cheat-sheet</a>

The Washington Post reports that US officials are concerned about unexplained Russian military activity in the region.

Military Trains and truck convoys move tanks and missiles in Russia's southwest near Ukraine, according to videos uploaded on social media.

On the condition of anonymity, a US source confirmed that there had been some movement, albeit it was not as significant as the rise in Moscow's forces earlier this year.&nbsp;

Watch | Ukraine uses Turkish drone against Russia-backed separatists

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The increase follows US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin's trip to the Black Sea region, which included stops in NATO partner Ukraine and Georgia, as well as alliance full member Romania, to express solidarity and rally support for fighting Russia in the region.

Since 2014, rebels allied with Russia have fought Ukrainian government forces in eastern Ukraine.

In 2014, Russian soldiers annexed Ukraine's Crimea peninsula, prompting harsh Western sanctions on the country.&nbsp;

Russia massed thousands of troops, heavy military equipment, naval boats, and aircraft on the Ukraine-Crimea border and in Crimea in March, only weeks after President Joe Biden's inauguration, stoking concerns of an invasion.

The manoeuvres were described by Moscow as a drill, but many of the military equipment stayed for weeks, prompting observers to interpret them as a message to Biden.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Pentagon spokesperson John Kirby has said that the US is aware of allegations of "unusual" Russian military activities near the Ukrainian border and will continue to speak with partners and closely monitor the region.

Pentagon spokesperson John Kirby has said that the US is aware of allegations of "unusual" Russian military activities near the Ukrainian border and will continue to speak with partners and closely monitor the region. "We are aware of public reports of unusual Russian military activity near Ukraine and we're going to continue to consult with allies and partners on this issue. I can't speak for Russian intentions, but we are certainly monitoring the region closely as we always do, " Kirby said during a press briefing. Also read | What's happening between Russia and Ukraine? Here's a cheat-sheet The Washington Post reports that US officials are concerned about unexplained Russian military activity in the region. Military Trains and truck convoys move tanks and missiles in Russia's southwest near Ukraine, according to videos uploaded on social media. On the condition of anonymity, a US source confirmed that there had been some movement, albeit it was not as significant as the rise in Moscow's forces earlier this year. Watch | Ukraine uses Turkish drone against Russia-backed separatists The increase follows US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin's trip to the Black Sea region, which included stops in NATO partner Ukraine and Georgia, as well as alliance full member Romania, to express solidarity and rally support for fighting Russia in the region. Since 2014, rebels allied with Russia have fought Ukrainian government forces in eastern Ukraine. In 2014, Russian soldiers annexed Ukraine's Crimea peninsula, prompting harsh Western sanctions on the country. Russia massed thousands of troops, heavy military equipment, naval boats, and aircraft on the Ukraine-Crimea border and in Crimea in March, only weeks after President Joe Biden's inauguration, stoking concerns of an invasion. The manoeuvres were described by Moscow as a drill, but many of the military equipment stayed for weeks, prompting observers to interpret them as a message to Biden. (With inputs from agencies)

US monitoring reports of ‘unusual’ Russian troop activity near Ukraine: Pentagon

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