US Secretary of State Blinken held talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on the 21st to seek to cool down the tension in Ukraine, but there was no breakthrough in the talks. NATO, on the other hand, rejected Russia's demands and would not withdraw its troops from Romania and Bulgaria.
Tensions continue in the Russian-Ukrainian border area. Russian Defense Ministry on Friday released footage showing Russian troops conducting exercises in Voronezh, a border region bordering eastern Ukraine.
In order to ease tensions, Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov held talks with US Secretary of State Blinken in Geneva, Switzerland, on the 21st. Lavrov described the meeting as effective and constructive, but it was difficult to determine whether it was on the right track, and everything would not be known until the United States responded in writing to Russia's demands.
Blinken said that the dialogue between the two men was frank and in-depth; he also said that the US side has heard the Russian side say on many occasions that it has no intention of invading Ukraine, but only practical actions can change the situation. Blinken also said that he did not expect any breakthrough in the meeting between the two men, but could better understand each other's positions.
White House spokesman Psaki said President Joe Biden will discuss the latest situation with the national security team at Camp David this week and will respond in writing to Russia's earlier security requirements next week. Blinken may meet with Lavrov later.
Russia last month submitted draft security treaties to the United States and NATO, including asking NATO to stop its eastward expansion. Russia's foreign ministry said on Friday that security guarantees would include the withdrawal of NATO troops from Romania and Bulgaria. NATO issued a statement rejecting the relevant demands, stressing that it would not give up the ability of member states to protect and defend each other.
Pro-Russian Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said that if the West and Ukraine continue to interfere with Belarus and Russia, the two countries will join forces to hit each other hard. Comprehensive report on Hong Kong Satellite TV.
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