WASHINGTON — The Biden administration on Wednesday provided Russia a written response that rejects most of its demands over Ukraine, as the Kremlin signaled that such a rebuff is certain to escalate the crisis.
With global tensions raging over a possible Russian invasion of the pro-West former Soviet republic, the Biden administration’s actions and Moscow’s reaction appeared to dampen hopes that diplomats could find a peaceful resolution to the standoff.
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken, speaking at a news conference at the State Department, told reporters the U.S. response laid out a “serious diplomatic path ... if Russia chooses” to follow it. America’s top diplomat added that Washington was prepared to discuss “reciprocal” efforts involving arms control and “transparency” regarding military exercises in Europe.
