Russia says it will not back down in the face of US sanctions threats as the Ukraine crisis deepens. But the UK and the US have warned Russia of harsh economic sanctions if it does invade Ukraine.
Taking to Twitter on Tuesday, Russian Embassy in the US said it is Washington, not Moscow, which generates tensions.
The statement comes ahead of talks between top US and Russian diplomats over Washington’s accusation that Moscow is planning a large-scale invasion on the ex-Soviet state’s border and has stationed more than 100,000 troops along its border.
Kremlin denies having any plan to invade, and Ukraine’s president snubbed a feeling abroad that war has already begun, rejecting unnecessary “panic.”
Read more: Russia about to invade Ukraine: US President
US State Department Official said US Secretary of State Antony Blinken would speak mid-morning with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov by phone, a day after the two sides lashed out at each other at the UN on Monday.
The official said Washington remains fully committed to dialogue and will continue to consult allies to address issues, including Ukraine.
Russia: 'Little Optimism' On Easing Tensions After US Rejects Kremlin Demandshttps://t.co/5rpK306JtA
By Ken BredemeierRussia said Thursday there was “little ground for optimism” to ease tensions in Eastern Europe after the United States rejected its demand that Ukraine b… pic.twitter.com/6f77d9QPiY
— Eurasia Review (@EurasiaReview) January 27, 2022
At the UNSC meet, US Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield termed the situation in Europe as ‘urgent’ and ‘dangerous,’ adding that the stakes for Ukraine and every UN member state could not be higher. But Russia said the West is whipping up tensions, adding that the Russian officials have ‘categorically rejected’ the rhetoric.
Meanwhile, Britain has warned Russian President Vladimir Putin of severe economic costs if he pursues an invasion of Ukraine.
Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab made these remarks after his Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he would tell Putin to ‘step back from the brink’ when the two leaders speak this week.
Read more: Is US sanctioning Russia over Ukraine?
Johnson said Britain would continue to uphold Ukraine’s sovereignty ahead of a visit to Kyiv for talks with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky on the crisis.