As the West sought to prevent a possible Russian invasion of its neighbor, it used diplomatic and economic pressure twice.
The United States and its allies are increasing the pressure upon Russia. They warn Russia that Russia faces “the mother-of-all sanctions” in the standoff with Ukraine . And they vow to confront Moscow at UN on Monday.
As the West sought to prevent a possible Russian invasion, it used diplomatic and economic pressure. Ukraine claims that the Kremlin now has 130,000 soldiers at its border. Moscow denies any intention to attack, but has made bold security demands to NATO and the U.S.
They waited for Russian President Vladimir Putin to make his next move following their response last week. Washington and its European allies tried to put Moscow on the backfoot.
On Monday morning, the two sides will meet on one of the most prominent diplomatic stages in the world.
At the request of the U.S., the United Nations Security Council is convening to discuss tensions in Ukraine. Given Russia’s veto and its close ties to other powerful members of the council, such formal action against Moscow seems unlikely.
The American ambassador to U.N. stated that she would press Russia about its military buildup in Ukraine.
“The Security Council has united, our voices have unified in calling for Russia to explain itself,” Ambassador Linda Thomas Greenfield stated Sunday on ABC’s “This Week”.
She said, “We’re going in the room ready to listen to their propaganda, but we’re also not going to be distracted.”
Moscow was not enthusiastic about the meeting.
Dmitry Polyansky (Russia’s deputy U.N. Ambassador) called the U.S. move “PR stunt.”
He mockingly accused Washington Sunday of viewing the security council “a club for worried people with US telling ’em what to be concerned about”.
The diplomatic efforts of both sides are still alive. On Tuesday, Sergey Lavrov and Secretary of State Antony Blinken will hold a telephone call.
Dmytro Kuleba (Ukraine’s foreign minister) said Sunday that Russia must withdraw its troops from Ukraine’s border if it wants to avoid war.
He tweeted , “Diplomacy is only responsible way,”
Despite its allies sounding the alarm, Kyiv has consistently resisted the Russian threat of invasion.
Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin’s spokesperson, took aim at this divide Monday, accusing Western media of spreading “distorted” information that “triggers panic in Ukraine, where people are nearly starting to pack their bags and head for the front lines.”
After a week of military exercises in Russia, Russia held more drills Monday. The country’s Northern Fleet vessels were involved in anti-submarine drills at the Norwegian Sea.
Washington, USA – U.S. lawmakers stated Sunday that they were close to agreement on a package of sanctions against the Kremlin.
The chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), said that the measures would include “massive sanction” against Russia’s largest banks, as well as sanctions on Russia’s sovereign debt, and more “lethal” assistance for Ukraine.
He stated to CNN’s State of the Union that they were “on the one yard line” and that they hoped to move on the bill soon.
Menendez said that some of the sanctions could be in place before an invasion, due to Russia’s past actions, such as cyberattacks on Ukraine, and attempts to weaken Kyiv’s government.
Britain announced Monday that it would impose sanctions against companies and individuals with close ties to the Kremlin in the event of a Russian attack on Ukraine.
After criticism that London, which has become a financial hub in the region following the collapse of Soviet Union, has been reluctant take action against Russians who have Kremlin connections.
Liz Truss (the U.K.’s foreign Secretary) stated that the government would introduce legislation on the subject this week.
To avoid Moscow’s retaliation, the U.S. tried to protect its allies from an aggravated supply crisis.
On Monday, President Joe Biden will host the leader of Qatar, which is one of the largest exporters of natural gases in the world, at the White House.
