US urges Russia to back from Ukraine border, warning 'massive consequences'
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As tensions mount between Russia and Ukraine, the United States and G7 allies warn Moscow of "massive consequences" if the latter "abandons diplomacy."
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US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi during the G7 summit of foreign and development ministers in Liverpool, Britain December 11, 2021 (Credit: Reuters)
The United States urged Saturday Russia to withdraw from the Ukrainian borders, warning that G7 and allies would impose "tough measures" if Moscow "abandons diplomacy."
Moscow still has time to change course, a senior State Department official told reporters at a meeting of the G7's top diplomats in Liverpool, England.
"But if they choose not to pursue that path, there will be massive consequences and severe costs in response, and the G7 is absolutely united in that," the official claimed.
"A large number of democratic countries will join us in imposing costs," they added.
During the same meeting, British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss urged the diplomats to "come together strongly to stand up to aggressors who are seeking to limit the bounds of freedom and democracy," referring to China on the issue of Taiwan and Russia on the issue of Ukraine.
Ukraine and its western allies have been claiming that Russia had mobilized some 90,000 troops on the borders.
Putin: Moscow pursues a peaceful foreign policy
Moscow has long denied these claims that also allege Russia is planning a military invasion of Ukraine.
Russian President Vladimir Putin said earlier this month Moscow pursues a peaceful foreign policy but has the right to defend its security in the medium and long term.
Washington and Moscow had held a summit that brought together President Biden and President Vladimir Putin, which saw them discussing a wide array of issues, mainly Ukraine. However, the summit did not ease any tensions in Kyiv.
President Joe Biden had clarified a few days ago that sending US troops to confront Russia was "not on the table."
