In the midst of escalating tensions with the West over Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin says Moscow is ready to seek “diplomatic solutions,” but that “the interests of Russia, the security of our citizens, are non-negotiable for us.”
“Our country is always open for direct and honest dialogue (and) for the search for diplomatic solutions to the most complex problems,” Putin said in a video address to mark the Defender of the Fatherland Day, a public holiday in Russia.
Meanwhile, in the wake of what he called “the beginning of a Russian invasion” of Kiev, US President Joe Biden announced strong new sanctions on Russia in reaction to Russia proclaiming the two rebel regions of Ukraine as separate states.
Biden told reporters at a White House press conference that the US would impose sanctions on two major Russian financial organisations as well as Russian government debt.
Russian elites and their family members have been sanctioned, according to government officials. Russian President Vladimir Putin directed Russia’s defence ministry to deploy “peacekeeping soldiers” into two separatist areas of Ukraine after recognising them as autonomous, raising fears of a European conflict.
“We are witnessing the start of a Russian invasion of Ukraine,” Biden stated. “By establishing these autonomous republics, Russia has obviously acted against Ukraine.” “Russian forces have moved closer to Ukraine’s border… Russian navy vessels, including amphibious assault ships, missile cruisers, and submarines, are operating in the Black Sea to Ukraine’s south.
“Blood and medical supplies have been carried to Russia’s border. Unless you want to start a war, you don’t need blood,” he added. Biden, on the other hand, emphasised that the penalties were “completely defensive steps on our part.” We don’t want to fight Russia.”
“However, we want to send a clear message that the United States, along with its partners, will defend every inch of NATO territory and honour the pledges we made to NATO,” Biden added.
