As tensions rise, a proposed meeting between Biden and Putin could be key to preventing further escalation.
In a last-ditch effort to avoid a new war in Europe, the United States has offered to organize a summit between President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin. This initiative comes as Russia continues to increase its military presence near the Ukrainian border and has announced new naval exercises in the Black Sea.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, during “frank and substantive” talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Geneva, confirmed that the US and its allies would respond in writing next week to Russia’s security demands. However, Blinken reiterated that NATO’s open-door policy, which allows countries like Ukraine to join in the future, remains non-negotiable.
The proposed summit marks a critical moment as tensions surrounding Ukraine push Europe closer to a potentially violent conflict. In the midst of these discussions, Russia escalated military pressure by launching major naval drills involving 140 ships, set to take place in both the Mediterranean and Black Seas.
