US President Joe Biden held a 50-minute telephone conversation with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. The American leader pointed to the dichotomy of further relations between the countries.
Biden voiced a version of both a possible de-escalation of tension through diplomacy and sanctions against the Russian Federation. This was told to journalists by a high-ranking representative of the Washington administration.
The first approach, according to Biden, is the path of diplomacy leading to de-escalation of the situation. The second way is more focused on deterrence and economic measures, especially if Russia invades Ukraine.
Russian diplomat, presidential aide Yuri Ushakov clarified that the American leader did not say exactly what actions of the Russian Federation could lead to sanctions.
Biden mentioned only the so-called “large-scale sanctions, which many are already talking about in the West.”
Ushakov pointed out that this had already been discussed on December 7 at the previous talks of the presidents. Then Putin noted that it would be a major mistake that could lead to a complete rupture of relations.
Ushakov stressed that the essence of the last conversation was to continue the exchange of views on issues that Russia “seriously cares about.”
The journalists clarified what is meant when talking about a possible “severance of ties with the West.” Ushakov replied that while this does not imply anything, it is not known what “large-scale sanctions” are.