US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov spoke by phone. Blinken called for an immediate de-escalation and withdrawal of troops and equipment from the borders with Ukraine.
“Blinken stressed that a further invasion of Ukraine would be followed by rapid and serious consequencesurged Russia to stick to the path of diplomacy,” the press service of the State Department said.
Blinken announced Washington’s support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and the right to independently determine foreign policy and form alliances.
The West believes that Russia is preparing an invasion of Ukraine, claiming a military buildup near the Russian-Ukrainian border. Russia has repeatedly stated that it is not preparing any invasions, but USA creates myths about the Russian threat to justify NATO’s eastward advance.