Paris urges Europeans to 'contribute actively' in talks with Russia
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As Western claims about Russia’s intention to take military action against Ukraine continue, French FM warns that “any further military aggression would have massive consequences."
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French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Yves Le Drian
French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian spoke with his German, Italian, and Polish counterparts, as well as the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, about the current tensions with Russia, a statement by the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs said.
The officials stressed, according to the statement, that “any further military aggression against Ukraine would have massive consequences and come at a high cost in response.”
Le Drian urged “the Europeans to contribute and participate actively, through tangible proposals, to preparing and conducting these talks with Russia in which their own security interests are at stake,” the statement reported.
“Demanding dialogue with Russia, based on parameters that we deem to be in line with our collective security interests, is useful and necessary to enhance strategic stability in Europe”, the top French diplomat added.
US will 'respond decisively' if Russia invades Ukraine
According to a White House statement, US President Joe Biden assured his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky on Sunday that Washington "will respond decisively" if Russia moves to invade its pro-Western neighbor.
With an alleged Russian military buildup on Ukraine's borders, Biden "made clear" to Zelensky during a phone call that the "United States and its allies and partners will respond decisively if Russia further invades Ukraine," White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said.
US declined Russia’s security proposals
On December 17, Russia presented draft documents detailing its security arrangements for negotiation with the US and NATO regarding de-escalation in Ukraine.
Simultaneously, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki told reporters that Washington will decline Russia's draft documents detailing its security arrangements for negotiation with the US and NATO regarding de-escalation in Ukraine, TASS reported.
Here's what you need to know
It is worth mentioning that relations between Russia and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), led by the United States, have recently been tense due to the latter's increased military buildup near the Russian borders under the pretext of protecting Ukraine from a “potential Russian threat,” which Moscow considers a “violation of the basic document of ties between the two sides."
The Kremlin rejected accusations made by Western countries about its intention to take military action against Ukraine, saying that "Russia is threatened by NATO, which is arming Kiev and intensifying its deployment of aircraft and ships in the Black Sea region."
