Washington, Feb 16: US President Joe Biden and his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron have discussed the diplomatic and deterrence efforts undertaken in response to build-up of Russian troops along the Ukrainian border. The White House said on Tuesday that both leaders reviewed their recent conversations with their Russian and Ukrainian counterparts, and affirmed their continued support for a diplomatic path forward.
“They discussed ongoing diplomatic and deterrence efforts undertaken in close coordination with Allies and partners in response to Russia’s military buildup along Ukraine’s borders, including their readiness to impose severe consequences and to reinforce the defensive posture on NATO’s eastern flank,” it added.
Meanwhile, Biden at a press conference warned that the US is respond decisively if Russia decides to invade Ukraine. He said, “We are ready with diplomacy — to be engaged in diplomacy with Russia and our Allies and partners to improve stability and security in Europe as a whole. “And we are ready to respond decisively to a Russian attack on Ukraine, which is still very much a possibility.” U
