Zelensky, Biden discussed diplomatic efforts on easing tensions

By Al Mayadeen Net
Source: Agencies
28 Jan 2022 00:04

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reveals that he had a phone call with his US counterpart Joe Biden, discussing regional tensions as the West bolsters itself.

US President Joe Biden and his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he discussed with his US counterpart Joe Biden efforts on tension de-escalation with Russia.

Zelensky revealed that he and Biden agreed on joint actions with regards to Russia, which the West is accusing of building up troops on the border with Ukraine.

"Had a long phone conversation with [President Biden]. Discussed recent diplomatic efforts on de-escalation and agreed on joint actions for the future," the Ukrainian president tweeted.

Had a long phone conversation with @POTUS. Discussed recent diplomatic efforts on de-escalation and agreed on joint actions for the future. Thanked President @JoeBiden for the ongoing military assistance. Possibilities for financial support to Ukraine were also discussed. pic.twitter.com/pAsQLYAuig
— Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) January 27, 2022

"Thanked President Joe Biden for the ongoing military assistance. Possibilities for financial support to Ukraine were also discussed," he added.

The United States revealed earlier Thursday it was trying to speed up its deliveries of the $200 million worth of security assistance approved for Ukraine in December.

This comes after NATO and the United Kingdom both affirmed that NATO forces would not be deployed in Ukraine in the case of conflict with Russia. The United States followed suit with Joe Biden reiterating by saying there was no intention to deploy US or NATO forces into Ukraine.

As Washington scrambles to help Ukraine, its NATO ally Germany blocked Estonia from providing Ukraine with German-made military equipment in light of the latter's efforts to strengthen its armed forces against the backdrop of concerns over Russia.

"We do not support the export of lethal weapons from Germany," Chancellor Olaf Scholz said.

Mounting security concerns over Ukraine come as the West accuses Russia of planning an invasion of its western neighbor despite Russian dismissal.

Russia insists that it has no intention of attacking any country, and the Kremlin sees the Western accusations as a pretext to deploy more NATO military equipment close to Russia's borders.