Parties are pessimistic about a quick resolution.
In high-level diplomatic meetings on Monday, the United States and Russia did not reach an agreement over Ukraine. The U.S. dismissed Russia’s demands that NATO “roll up the welcome mat” to former Soviet Union states, as the two former Cold War superpowers try to negotiate an agreement over Ukraine’s future in the meetings in Geneva.
On Wednesday, Russian diplomats met with NATO leaders. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said significant differences remained with Russia. However, he expressed hope that Moscow would agree to further talks, after the first joint council meeting between the two since 2019.
Russia has not committed to de-escalate on the Ukraine border. The Wednesday meeting between NATO and Russia ended with a “sober challenge from the NATO allies to Russia” to respond to the opportunities offered by the international community to de-escalate the situation and choose the path of diplomacy.
Secretary General Stoltenberg said, “Our differences will not be easy to bridge, but it is a positive sign that all NATO allies and Russia sat down around the same table and engaged in substantial topics.”
A third meeting is scheduled for Thursday when the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe will hold a session with Russia.
Moscow has dismissed claims of a possible invasion into Ukraine. However, Russia has been amassing as many as 100,000 troops near the Ukrainian border, and on the eve of the Geneva talks, the military began live-fire drills in regions close to the border.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For U.S. and foreign officials participating in the meeting scheduled for Thursday to bring the situation closer to a diplomatic solution.
- For wisdom for the president and his administration as discussions continue about the threat to Ukrainian and European security if Russia will not reduce its military buildup near the Ukrainian border.
Sources: Wall Street Journal, The Guardian, CNN
