Blinken warns Russia of ‘massive consequences’ over Ukraine
Al JazeeraTop US diplomat says Washington is fully committed to dialogue, but progress must be ‘two-way street’. Before crucial talks between American and Russian diplomats next week, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has warned Moscow of “massive consequences” if it continues what he called aggressive actions in Europe, particularly its military buildup on the Ukrainian border. “But a diplomatic solution is still possible and preferable if Russia chooses it.” The United States and Russia will kick off talks in Geneva focused on the tensions in Ukraine on Monday. In a statement describing the talks, the White House said Biden urged Putin to “de-escalate” the tensions and “made clear that the United States and its allies and partners will respond decisively if Russia further invades Ukraine”. And we’ve been clear with Russia about what it will face if it continues on this path, including economic measures that we haven’t used before – massive consequences.” For its part, the Russian government has warned the US that substantial sanctions against Russia would be “a colossal mistake” after the phone call between Putin and Biden.