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Amidst the growing threat of a Russian invasion of Ukraine, the West has sought to diplomatically de-escalate the tensions. During the recent Munich Security Conference, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the country needs stronger international support in the conflict against Russia.
Zelensky delivered remarks at the security conference, saying that Ukraine has been Europe’s “shield” against Russia for the past eight years and thus needs stronger support from the international community. The Ukrainian leader’s comments follow reports that pro-Russia forces in eastern Ukraine ordered a full mobilization of its military.
The mobilization of pro-Russia forces comes amidst repeated warnings from the West that Russian President Vladimir Putin may have decided on invading Ukraine. Putin has supervised major military drills that involved its nuclear forces.
Tens of thousands of Russian troops remain deployed in areas close to the border the two countries share, leading to fears of a possible invasion. The troops remain in the area despite Moscow repeatedly denying making any plans to invade Ukraine. The US and NATO member countries have looked to pursue diplomatic efforts in the hopes of de-escalating the crisis but have yet to be successful.
The US and NATO have warned of imposing severe sanctions against Russia if it decides to invade.
The office of French President Emmanuel Macron announced that both Putin and US President Joe Biden have agreed in principle to meet together in a summit over the current conflict. The two leaders have agreed in principle to a summit as long as Moscow does not invade Ukraine.
The statement from Macron’s office said that the French leader proposed a summit on “security and strategic stability in Europe.” The White House later confirmed the planned summit.
“Presidents Biden and Putin have both accepted the principle of such summit,” said the statement from Macron’s office, stressing that a meeting would be impossible should Russia make an invasion.
White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki released a statement confirming the news, saying that Washington remains committed to a diplomatic approach until an invasion is done. Psaki also reiterated that the US is prepared to impose severe sanctions against Russia if an invasion does happen, noting that Moscow appears to be preparing for an incursion.
