US will respond ‘decisively if Russia invades Ukraine,’ says Biden

Washington, Jan 2 (EFE).- President Joe Biden Sunday assured his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelenski, that the United States and its allies and partners would “respond decisively if Russia further invades Ukraine.”

White House spokesperson Jen Psaki said Biden spoke with President Zelenskyy as the two leaders expressed support for their diplomatic efforts in reducing the tension with Russia.

Biden underscored the commitment of the US and its allies and partners to the principle of “nothing about you without you,” Psaki said in a statement.

“He reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” Psaki said.

The president also expressed support for confidence-building measures to de-escalate tensions in the Donbas region of eastern Ukraine adjoining the Russian border.

It was the second telephonic conversation between the two leaders in just a few weeks amid concerns over the Russian military buildup on the border with Ukraine, where nearly 100,000 troops have gathered.

Last week, Biden urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to reduce tensions along the border with Ukraine.

The first consultations between Russia and the US on the security guarantees requested by Moscow will begin on Jan.10 in Geneva in Switzerland.

Tensions escalated in recent weeks over a possible Russian attack on Ukraine, which, according to Ukrainian and American sources, could take place in early 2022.

Russia has denied it was preparing for an offensive, saying the West had paid excessive attention to the movement of troops within Russian borders. EFE

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