\N
Joe Biden threatened Vladimir Putin that the US response to any Russian invasion of Ukraine would be harsh, while the Russian president warned his US counterpart that the imposition of unprecedented new sanctions by the US and its allies would be a colossal mistake that could cause a rift in their relations.
Nevertheless, the Russian side made it known that Mr Putin was satisfied after the 50-minute serious discussion with Mr Biden. Both leaders praised diplomacy, which they believe can offer a path out of the crisis.
But the White House occupant insisted that any diplomatic progress passes through de-escalation in Ukraine. Joe Biden spoke with his Russian counterpart - for the second time in less than a month - from Wilmington, his stronghold in Delaware State, where he is spending the holidays.
Washington will respond in a decisive way if there is further Russian incursion into Ukraine, he told his Russian counterpart, without going into details, according to a press release issued by U.S. presidential spokeswoman Jen Psaki.
For its part, the Kremlin demanded results and that its demands for security guarantees, two proposed treaties that redefine the balance and security architecture in Europe, be met, to be considered at the upcoming January 10 Russian-American talks in Geneva.
For Moscow, Russia's security passes through a ban on NATO's eastward expansion, which it perceives as an existential threat, and an end to Western military activities near Russia's borders.
Satisfying these demands is the only way to prevent an escalation of tensions, in the view of Moscow, which considers in particular US, NATO and EU support for Ukraine a direct threat to its security and interests.
\NSource: KYPE
\NContents of this article including associated images are belongs Cyprus Times\NViews & opinions expressed are those of the author and/or Cyprus Times\NSource