Russia says it’s ready to keep talking about Ukraine crisis
Deccan ChronicleMOSCOW: The Kremlin and the West held out the possibility of a diplomatic path out of the Ukraine crisis, even as Russia appeared to continue preparations for a potential invasion, including moving troops and military hardware closer to its neighbor. Lavrov said possibilities for talks “are far from being exhausted.” Putin noted that the West could try to draw Russia into “endless talks” and questioned whether there is still a chance to reach agreement. “The path for diplomacy remains available if Russia chooses to engage constructively,” White House principal deputy press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said. “However, we are clear-eyed about the prospects of that, given the steps Russia is taking on the ground in plain sight.” U.S. officials said the Russian military continued apparent attack preparations along Ukraine’s borders. But the situation is absolutely under control.” As if to show defiance, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Wednesday would be a “day of national unity,” calling on the country to display the blue-and-yellow flag and sing the national anthem in the face of “hybrid threats.” “It is not the first threat the strong Ukrainian people have faced,” Zelenskyy said Monday evening in a video address to the nation.