United States President Joe Biden warned Russian President Vladimir Putin of serious and massive consequences if Moscow pushes to invade Ukraine during an hour-long phone call that attempted to de-escalate the threat of an impending war in Eastern Europe.
According to the White House, Biden told his Russian counterpart that the US and its allies are prepared to "impose swift and severe cost" if the Kremlin attacks Kyiv.
The discussion between the two leaders came on Saturday after US intelligence disclosed info that Russia could invade Ukraine before Feb. 20, the end of the Beijing Winter Olympics, per US News report.
Putin told Biden that Washington had failed to consider Russia's primary concerns and that Moscow had received no "substantial answer" on key issues such as NATO's expansion and the deployment of offensive forces in Ukraine, according to the Kremlin.
Biden-Putin Call Makes No Breakthrough But Diplomatic Talks Might Continue
One senior White House, who requested anonymity, the official described the call between the two presidents as "professional and substantive." However, as per Reuters, it resulted in "no fundamental change" in the situation, and it remains uncertain whether Putin made a final decision to take military actions on Ukraine.
Russia denies allegations of the US and the West that it plots to invade Ukraine, but it has assembled more than 100,000 troops around the Ukraine border. It also had conducted military exercises with neighboring Belarus, sending thousands of troops and hardware.
With the continued tensions, US officials think they have few days left to prevent a worst-case scenario in Ukraine. While the US and NATO have no plans to send troops to Ukraine, the massive sanctions they would impose on Russia once it launches an invasion could affect the global market and might lead to a power struggle in Europe.
In a statement, the White House said President Biden "remains prepared to engage in diplomacy" and in "full coordination" with its allies. It added that the US is "equally prepared for other scenarios.
Russia announced that it had optimized its diplomatic staff numbers in Ukraine as its embassy and consulates continue to function amid the "provocations" by Kyiv or others.
Ukrainians Unite Against Invasion Threat
Meanwhile, thousands of Ukrainians marched through the center of Kyiv to show unity against fears of a Russian invasion, chanting "Glory to Ukraine" while waving Ukrainian flags.
The demonstrators also carried banners with messages of "Ukrainians will resist," and "Invaders must die."
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy downplayed the possibilities of war and repelled excessive news on a looming war in his country.
He noted that the information is "just provoking panic" and not helpful for Ukraine. "I can't agree or disagree with what hasn't happened yet. So far, there is no full-scale war in Ukraine," Zelenskiy said.
The US and other Western nations recently urged their citizens in Ukraine to flee from the country immediately. Israel, Portugal, and Belgium have also joined the call, according to BBC.
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