Senior Ukrainian and Russian officials meet in Paris to try to lower tensions

 

Senior Ukrainian and Russian officials meet in Paris to try to lower tensions

Image source : Such tv

Ukraine and Russia met in Paris to ease rising tensions in the region, while the United States warned Russia it could impose "severe sanctions" if it invades Ukraine.

Russian deputy chief of staff Dmitry Kozak and Ukrainian presidential adviser Andrei Yermak met on Wednesday in the presence of Germany's wartime French, where the meeting is seen as an encouraging effort to de-escalate tensions, according to AFP. ۔

A close aide to French President Emmanuel Macron, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said it was "very encouraging" that Russia had agreed to speak again on the diplomatic front.

The official said diplomatic efforts are needed to create a tense atmosphere for dialogue.

Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden has warned Russia that if it makes the mistake of attacking Ukraine, it will have dire consequences and could change the world.

He also hinted at a ban on technology exports, as well as sanctions against Russian President Vladimir Putin.

In response to a question, Biden said that in the event of an attack, Russian President Vladimir Putin could be personally expelled.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed the threats, saying such sanctions would seriously damage diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions over Ukraine.

Speaking to reporters, he said it would not be politically painful but destructive.

The Kremlin has made it clear that any attempt to attack Putin, especially Vladimir Putin, will be seen as "crossing the red line" and bilateral relations will be severed.

The United States believes that Russia has decided to invade Ukraine and will launch an attack on Ukraine as soon as preparations are complete.

"We don't know if he has made a final decision, but we have indications that he may use military force as soon as possible or in mid-February," said Wendy Sherman, deputy secretary of state.

Meanwhile, Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmitry Koliba ruled out an immediate attack, saying Russian troops on the border were insufficient for a major offensive.

He said the troops posed a threat to Ukraine but were not enough to carry out a large-scale operation.

The Paris talks are seen as crucial in the current context, and the failure of the talks could be the precursor to a major military operation in the region, especially between world powers and Russia.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has warned that if we do not receive a constructive response to these talks and Western countries continue with their aggressive policies, we will take all necessary measures.

Earlier in the day, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and other key European leaders threatened Russia with "serious consequences" if it attacked Ukraine.

Source: suchtv