Putin threatens Ukraine and says: “The Minsk agreements no longer exist.” Russia wants the “demilitarization” of Ukraine which could have “tactical nuclear weapons” and for this reason does not exclude the entry of Russian troops into the country.
According to US President Biden, Moscow could decide to launch attacks on various Ukrainian cities, “including the capital Kiev”. For NATO, which expects a large-scale attack, “this is the most dangerous moment for European security for generations”. For this reason, announces Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, we have about 100 planes and 120 ships on “high alert” after the alliance countries have sent “thousands of soldiers to the countries of Eastern Europe”.
Joe Biden and those nine minutes to deliver the American response to the Kremlin: “They will have to suffer”
Alberto Simoni
Joe Biden’s “additional deployment” of US troops to the Baltic NATO members will consist in the transfer of 800 US troops from Italy. This was confirmed by the White House and the Pentagon.
Ukraine, Biden: “Further deployment of US troops in Baltic countries”
A meeting between US President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin is currently not scheduled. “The door to diplomacy still remains open” with Russia, even though US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has announced that he will no longer meet his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov. White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki said this at CNN. “As I think our secretary of state has expressed, it is not the right time, as Russia is taking increasing steps and preparing to invade a meeting with the foreign minister for him,” she explained. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin stressed that Moscow is ready to find “diplomatic solutions” with the West to put an end to the Ukrainian crisis, but “Russia’s interests and security are not negotiable”.
Putin’s ultimatum and the challenge of borders: “Kiev give up Crimea and NATO, otherwise it will be an invasion”
ANNA ZAFESOVA
The sanctions
US sanctions against Russia hit Alexander Bortnikov, director of the FSB and his son Denis, vice president of the state bank Vtb. They also involve Sergei Kiriyenko, Putin’s first deputy chief of staff, and his son Vladimir, CEO of VKontakte, the main Russian social media platform. Petr Fradkov, president and CEO of Promsvyazbank, is also sanctioned.
Ukraine, Biden: “We begin to impose sanctions in response to the Russian invasion”
Japan also joins the ranks of countries and organizations determined to economically sanction Russia for the Ukrainian crisis. Premier Fumio Kishida announced that Tokyo will ban the issuance of Russian bonds in Japan and freeze some people’s assets. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has indicated a series of targeted measures that will affect eight members of the Russian Security Council; Russian banks are also being targeted. In addition, the existing sanctions will be expanded. Other steps are likely to be taken after the Australian National Security Cabinet meeting in the next few hours, he added.
Robert Kaplan: “Putin will continue to advance, sanctions do not scare him”
Alberto Simoni
