The leaders of Canada, Poland, France, Germany, Italy, Romania, the United Kingdom and of NATO and the European Union were invited to the meeting by the White House. They underlined their support for Ukraine, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reported. She emphasizes the close coordination of “massive” Western sanctions for Moscow should it decide to attack. The Russian financial, energy and high-tech industries will be affected, she says.
The German government has announced that punitive measures will soon follow in the event of an invasion. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he fears for Europe’s security.
Olympics
It was previously estimated that Russia would not take offensive actions until the end of the Olympics on February 20, but the US now thinks that could be earlier, possibly as early as next week. NATO ambassadors will meet shortly to discuss the to discuss Russian plans.
The Russian troop build-up around Ukraine has been causing heavy diplomatic traffic between Western countries for weeks. Many ministers and government leaders have traveled to the Ukrainian capital Kiev, and some also to Moscow.
troop building
Not only have more than 100,000 Russian soldiers gathered at the border, the navy is also active in the Black Sea. In addition, Russia is engaged in a major exercise in and with Belarus. All in all, Russia could in principle launch the attack, observers say.
Moscow denies having plans for an invasion, but wants, among other things, a guarantee that Ukraine cannot join NATO.