The United States warned on Tuesday that Russia could attack Ukraine at any time amid a clear escalation of tensions in Ukraine. But while calling it an “extremely dangerous” situation, Washington remains open to diplomacy with Moscow — U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken spoke with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, and the two leaders agreed Meet in Geneva this week.

White House press secretary Jan Psaki blamed Russian President Vladimir Putin for the crisis or the massing of 100,000 Russian troops on the Ukrainian border, adding: “This includes the recent transfer of Russian troops into Belarus for joint exercises. , with additional drills on Ukraine’s eastern border.. let’s be clear. Our view is that this is an extremely dangerous situation. We are now at a stage where Russia can strike at any time in Ukraine… This is more serious than we have ever been .”

Psaki reiterated the U.S. position that Russia would face “serious consequences” if it chose not to pursue the diplomatic path.

Blinken will first visit Ukraine, where he plans to emphasize “the United States’ support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” according to a senior State Department official. He will then visit Germany – where Blinken will continue in-depth consultations with European allies and partners “as part of our unified response to Russia’s actions,” according to the same official. On Friday, he will meet Lavrov in Geneva. “The United States does not want conflict. We want peace. President Putin has the authority to take steps to defuse this crisis so that the United States and Russia can develop a relationship that is not based on hostility or crisis,” the senior official said.

In recent weeks, U.S. officials have stepped up their warnings of Russian actions. Recent bilateral talks between the United States and Russia in Geneva, NATO and Russia in Brussels, and talks in Vienna under the auspices of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), of which both the United States and Russia are members, have not Can break the deadlock.

The latest trigger for the crisis is the transfer of Russian troops to Belarus. Another senior State Department official said: “There are worrisome reports of Russian troop movements to Belarus, purportedly under the auspices of regular joint military exercises. The timing is noteworthy and certainly raises concerns about Russia May intend to station troops in Belarus under the guise of joint military exercises for the possibility of attacking Ukraine from the north.”

Complete News Source : Hindustan Times