President Vladimir Putin countered U.S. warnings that Russia may invade Ukraine within days by staging televised meetings with his foreign and defense ministers that emphasized de-escalation of tensions and continued efforts to find a diplomatic resolution to the security crisis.
The comments were the strongest indications yet that the Kremlin will continue talks to ease confrontation in a crisis that’s raised fears of war in Europe. As recently as Sunday, U.S. officials were warning that a Russian invasion of Ukraine may be imminent, though Moscow dismissed that as “hysteria.” The West threatened Russia with severe economic sanctions if it did attack.
Speaking to Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov Monday, Putin said “all right” to a proposal that Russia continue talks with the U.S. and its allies on the security guarantees Moscow has demanded.
