German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. | Archyde.com Yonhap News
U.S. President Joe Biden and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said on Monday that the risk of a Russian invasion of Ukraine remains and urged Russia to take practical measures to ease tensions.
The White House said that President Biden and Prime Minister Scholz had discussed over the phone about continuing Russia’s military build-up at the Ukrainian border, the White House said. In a statement released by the German Chancellor’s Office after the call, they said that “the risk of a Russian aggression into Ukraine remains high” and that “the highest level of caution is required”. Contrary to the Russian explanation, which said that some troops had been withdrawn, they also argued that no significant withdrawal was observed from the border area with Ukraine.
The two leaders reiterated their warning that a Russian invasion of Ukraine would have “very serious consequences”, adding that Russia must take practical steps to ease tensions.
The call was made by Prime Minister Scholz to explain it to President Biden after meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow the day before, AFP reported.