Some Russian proposals are unacceptable: W.House
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The United States affirmed that it would be responding to the Russian demands, but its response will include its own security concerns in the region.
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White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki (EPA-EFE/Al Drago/POOL)
The written response to Russia's security guarantee proposals will include Washington's concerns, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said Friday.
Washington conducts rigorous contingency planning if a security situation worsens in any country, Psaki said when asked about plans to evacuate US citizens from Ukraine.
The United States is considering evacuating diplomats' family members from Ukraine, Bloomberg reported on Friday, citing people familiar with the matter.
Psaki also confirmed other reports about the United States planning on delivering Mi-17 helicopters to Ukraine amid soaring tensions with Russia.
"[I]n identifying additional equipment held in DoD inventories that can be delivered under the Excess Defensive Articles program among other mechanisms, we recently notified Congress of our intent to deliver Mi-17 helicopters [to Ukraine]," Psaki said.
The spokesperson said her country would support Ukrainian security needs through consultations with NATO and Washington's allies and partners.
However, she highlighted that certain Russian proposals were unacceptable, and Biden would discuss them with his staff.
Finally, Psaki revealed that Secretary Blinken informed his Russian counterpart that Washington and its partners and allies would respond in the case of a Russian invasion, saying it was up for the Russians to pick which road they wanted to take.
The EU had extended its economic sanctions against Russia until July 31, 2022, accusing Moscow of "destabilizing the situation in Ukraine."
Meanwhile, US lawmakers are preparing sanctions against Russia, making similar Ukraine-related arguments.
