The Russian top diplomat advised President Vladimir Putin that he should continue negotiations and the chancellor of Germany met with the Ukrainian president.
The U.S. has announced that it will close its Ukrainian embassy and move all staff to a nearby city.
The British prime minister stated earlier that Europe was “on the edge” of a precipice, citing an American warning about Russia’s possible invasion of Ukraine within the next 48 hours.
Here are some examples of what is happening and why.
What’s the message from Russia?
Monday The Kremlin indicated that it is open to continuing talks with the West regarding security grievances that led the current crisis. This signalled hope that Russia might not invade Ukraine in the next few days, as Western officials are increasingly afraid.
Sergey Lavrov, Russian Foreign Minister, stated that all options for negotiations have not been exhausted. This seemed to be a signal that Putin believes there are still hopes for a diplomatic solution.
Lavrov stated that the talks could not continue indefinitely but he suggested that they be continued and expanded at this stage. He also noted that Washington offered to limit missile deployments in Europe and to restrict military drills, as well as other confidence-building measures.
When Putin asked him if it was sensible to continue diplomatic efforts, Lavrov replied that the possibilities for talks were “far from exhausted”, and he suggested that negotiations continue. His ministry would not allow the U.S. or its allies to blockade Russia’s main demands.
U.S. officials replied that they are looking for action and not just talk. Ned Price, a spokesperson for the State Department, said that if Foreign Minister Lavrov’s comments were followed up with concrete, tangible indicators of de-escalation we would welcome that. “We haven’t seen that yet.”
WHAT IS THE CURRENT U.S. ACTION
As invasion fears increase, the United States announced Monday that it would close its embassy and relocate all staff to a location near the Polish border. It also reiterated its warnings to Ukrainian citizens to evacuate immediately.
This announcement by the State Department follows a decision taken over the weekend to expel all non-essential diplomatic staff from Kyiv. The embassy will cease operations, and local Ukrainian security guards will take care of the property.
The department stated that a small number of embassy personnel from Kyiv will move to Lviv. They will provide limited consular service to Americans and maintain communications with the Ukrainian government.
The State Department advised Americans living in Belarus to flee immediately because of “unusual, concerning Russian military buildup near Belarus’ border to Ukraine”.
The Pentagon has announced that Lloyd Austin, Defense Secretary, will visit the NATO defense ministerial in Brussels, as well as Poland and Lithuania, which are neighbors to Ukraine. John Kirby, Pentagon press secretary, said that Austin would meet with presidents, defense ministers, and other leaders from Poland and Lithuania as well as U.S. forces operating in these countries. Kirby stated that Austin is also planning to meet with the defense chiefs from the three Baltic countries, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia.
Monday afternoon, Jake Sullivan, White House national security advisor, briefed Senate leadership. While considering a resolution to support Ukraine’s independence, senators have not yet enacted legislation that would impose sanctions against Russia.
WHAT IS GOING ON IN UKRAINE
Olaf Scholz, the German Chancellor, sent a message to Kyiv of solidarity and told Volodymyr Zelenskyy Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty are not under threat.
Scholz’s visit was made ahead of his meeting with Putin in Moscow on Tuesday. He demanded that Russia take “clear steps” to reduce tensions. He expressed gratitude to the Ukrainian government for its “sober, measured and controlled response to a very serious situation that was threatening.”
Scholz pointed out that NATO and the U.S. had made proposals to Moscow, which Germany supports. He asked Russia to respond to these offers by offering dialogue.
According to the German chancellor, in case of military escalation “we are prepared for very broad and effective sanctions in consultations with our allies” and “we know what we should do” if Russia violates Ukraine’s territorial integrity.
Zelenskyy described the tensions surrounding his country’s future as “an unprecedented challenge for Europe, the world”
“It’s in Ukraine that the future European security architecture, of which our state is part, is being decided today.”
Separately, U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres met Monday with the foreign ministers from Russia and Ukraine. He reiterated his belief that diplomacy is the only way to end the conflict over Ukraine.
WHERE CAN RUSSIA MAKE A MOVE?
Boris Johnson, British Prime Minister, says Europe is “on edge of a Precipice” citing an American warning about Russia’s possible invasion of Ukraine within the next 48 hours.
Johnson stated, “But, there is still time to President Putin to step back.”
According to U.S. officials, the Russian military appears to have continued building up and preparing for an attack along Ukraine’s borders.
According to a U.S. defense official, small numbers of Russian ground combat troops have been moving from larger areas of assembly to positions closer the Ukrainian border for the past several days. These would be departure points in case Putin invades.
An official spoke under anonymity in order to discuss confidential information that was not publically released. CBS News first reported on the movement units closer to the border.
Separately, the head for Sweden’s military force stated that Russia has all the necessary capacity to conduct a military operation along the Ukrainian border.
“We don’t exclude anything,” said Gen. Micael byden, whose country has not become a NATO member. We don’t know if it will happen today, Wednesday, or in a week.
WHAT IF THE TALKS ARE NOT SUFFICIENT?
Poland is making preparations for Ukrainian refugees in case of an attack by Russia on its neighbor. The Polish government believes that the worst-case scenario will be avoided.
Similar preparations are underway in the region, especially in countries that border Ukraine.
Poland has received large numbers of Ukrainian migrants in recent years. This is especially after Russia’s 2014 incursions into Ukraine. Marcin Przydacz (a deputy foreign minister) said that Poland has been planning for weeks to receive refugees.
WHAT IS UKRAINE’S PRINCIPAL FARING?
In 2019, Zelenskyy won an overwhelming victory. Zelenskyy won a landslide victory in 2019.
Zelenskyy, however, is watching his once-enormous backing dissolve as Ukraine fears a Russian invasion. This could lead to the destruction of rebel areas and possibly the entire country.
The situation is made worse by the fact that the incumbent Zelenskyy lost in 2019 has returned to Ukraine to face charges for treason and to stir up opposition. According to analysts, Moscow seeks to boost support for pro-Russian politicians in Ukraine. The buildup of Russian forces close to Ukraine’s borders is partly aimed at destabilizing its politics.
