German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and French President Emmanuel Macron have warned Russia of the serious consequences of further military aggression against Ukraine. The leadership in Moscow has stationed many troops along the border to the neighboring country and must urgently contribute to de-escalation, Scholz demanded in Berlin on Tuesday. Macron said they were preparing a joint response in the event of an attack, “the price would be very high.”
Germany and France are united in the conflict, said Macron. He also reiterated that the dialogue with Russia should not be broken off. However, Scholz made it clear that Russia was expected to take “clear steps that would help de-escalate the situation”.
With a massive Russian troop deployment near Ukraine, there are fears in the West that the Kremlin may be planning an invasion of the neighboring country. However, it is also considered possible that fears are only being stirred up in order to persuade the NATO states to make concessions when demands for new security guarantees are made.
For the first time since the current tensions began, official representatives of both conflict countries want to meet for talks on Wednesday. A meeting at consultant level is planned in Paris. France and Germany are also to take part in the meeting in the so-called Normandy format. As it was said from Élysée circles, the talks should deal with humanitarian measures and future considerations in Ukraine. They also want to find a date on which Ukraine will negotiate with the separatists loyal to the Kremlin about a special status for the Donbass region. Ukraine has so far officially rejected this. She sees Moscow and not the separatists as a negotiating partner.
Germany and France are mediating in the conflict that has been going on since 2014. However, their negotiated peace plan is on hold. According to UN estimates, more than 14,000 people have been killed in fighting between Ukrainian government troops and pro-Kremlin separatists in Ukraine’s Donbass region.
Macron wants to call Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday and propose a way of de-escalation. According to the French head of state, the conversation is about taking stock and clarifying a few points. From Élysée circles it was said that Macron wanted to clarify the consequences of an attack, but also believed in the possibility of de-escalation. Macron relies on numerous dialogue formats in the conflict. He repeatedly emphasizes that talks with Russia are needed.
The USA, together with its allies, are preparing for a possible reduction in Russian gas supplies to Europe in the event of an escalation. “We work with countries and companies around the world to ensure security of supply and cushion price shocks for both the American people and the global economy,” a senior US official said in Washington on Tuesday. “We are in discussions with major natural gas producers around the world to determine their capacity and willingness to temporarily increase natural gas production and to allocate these volumes to European customers.”
Against the background of tensions with NATO, more than 1,000 Russian armored forces soldiers held exercises. They were used to check combat readiness, the Ministry of Defense announced in Moscow. 100 units of weapons, combat and special technology were used in the Moscow area. Tanks had also completed several target exercises in rough terrain on the Crimean peninsula in the Black Sea, which was annexed by Russia, it was said. Accordingly, the Navy also joined the exercises, such as the Black Sea Fleet and the Caspian Flotilla. Russia had recently announced several naval maneuvers with 140 warships by the end of February.
Biden threatens sanctions against Putin
US President Joe Biden can imagine sanctions against Russian President Vladimir Putin if Russia invades Ukraine. “Yes,” said Biden when asked by a reporter on Tuesday whether he could imagine personally sanctioning Putin in the event of an invasion. “I can imagine that,” Biden said. Biden also threatened Russia again with “heavy consequences” and “economic sanctions”.
In the end, everything depends on what Putin decides about Ukraine. In addition, Biden explains that he may soon give the order to move 8,500 soldiers to Europe, who were put on standby on Monday.
With a massive Russian troop deployment near Ukraine, there are fears in the West that the Kremlin may be planning an invasion of the neighboring country. However, it is also considered possible that fears are only being stirred up in order to persuade the NATO states to make concessions when demands for new security guarantees are made. Efforts to defuse the conflict have been going on for days in various talks. (APA/dpa/Archyde.com)