The latest statement by White House sources that US President Joe Biden has suggested that both he and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin attend a meeting in a third world in the upcoming months has raised expectations of a reconciliation between the two former adversaries.
This personal invite was offered during a phone call between the two nations, who were attempting to discuss deep disagreements, including Russia's latest military escalation near Ukraine. During the call with Putin, Biden emphasized his adherence to Ukraine's security and territorial integrity, while also expressing concern about a Russian troop surge on the country's borders.
According to the White House, Biden also stated that the US would protect its national interests in response to Russian activities such as "cybersecurity threats and election meddling." The call came during Secretary of State Antony Blinken's visit to Brussels to consult with Ukrainian officials and NATO allies. NATO has urged Russia to halt its military expansion. The Russian push has raised fears of a significant confrontation in the two countries' rivalry, which has been brewing since the Kremlin annexed it in 2014.
The Kremlin announced the two leaders addressed a potential meeting, claiming Biden “expressed confidence in normalizing the bilateral state of affairs.” Russian wrangling: The international community has been unable to disregard Russia's buildup along Ukraine's border. There were rumors of two US warships bound for the Black Sea, with Russia's Foreign Ministry urging them to stay away "for their good." As the violent rhetoric and military moves across Ukraine have escalated, Western policymakers have begun to expect an active invasion and have urged Putin to "de-escalate."
Russia has declined to comply as a result. The Russian Defense Ministry argued that its actions were in reaction to “dangerous” NATO drills in Europe. However, a logical study of current and historical developments leads one to believe that it is all part of the American and Russian establishments' diplomatic brinkmanship. And in this contest, Biden was the first to blink, giving Putin the upper hand.
The invite to a conference stands in stark contrast to Biden's previous conduct and speeches, and his general political agenda, which analysts define as based on the ideals of American pre-eminence. This invitation comes just weeks after the US president told an interviewer that Russian President Vladimir Putin was a "killer." A statement that triggered international outrage. President Biden's latest change has sparked a new controversy over whether it is catastrophe avoidance or a miscalculated surrender, but in fact, the likelihood of a major military intervention by Russia has significantly decreased.
Russia's latest extravagant troop movement has always seemed to be virtue signaling by a government that has given up wanting to be loved by the West and now wishes the West to despise it.
As Vladimir Putin sent troops and equipment into eastern Ukraine seven years ago, it was a covert action that is still being disputed today. However, Russia seems to be sending messages rather than troops this time. Another aspect of the situation is the Kiev government's latest reinforcements in eastern Ukraine, and recent Russian activities, which seem to be aimed at preventing Kiev from retaking areas occupied by Russian-backed insurgents.
One is made to believe that the true purpose of troop assembling on the Ukrainian border is not the truth. Instead, the target is a little odd. Russia appears to be attempting to avoid the harsh new measures that the Biden government has threatened in response to Russia's election meddling, hacking attacks, and other actions.
Last week, the US president issued an executive order imposing sanctions on Russia. Until June 14, 2021, US firms are prohibited from purchasing Russian state securities sold by the Central Bank, National Wealth Fund, or Finance Ministry. Washington has sanctioned 16 organizations and 16 people for supposedly interfering with US elections. The sanctions also included eight individuals and businesses with ties to Crimea, including representatives of the regional government. Besides, the US recalled ten diplomats from the Russian Embassy in Washington. As tit for tat, Russia and the Czech Republic began a campaign of deportations.
This sanctions game and offer to host a summit at the same time mystifies both Moscow and the international community. Moscow finds it curious that sanctions are being implemented while a proposal to intensify the discussion on strategic stability is being made. Putin's motives will become apparent next week, as he delivers his annual "state of the country" speech, a platform he often uses to threaten the West. Biden's call may well have allowed him to withdraw from this particular battle. The US has also agreed to postpone the deployment of two US warships to the Black Sea, a measure perceived as conciliatory.
Dmitry Peskov, a Kremlin spokesperson, has said that Moscow will behave under the policy of reciprocity against Washington and its measures. The latest measures, would not promote Biden's planned conference. In the end, much depends on how the two leaders engage at the summit and what more conciliatory and appeasing moves the two take to defuse regional tensions and move toward normalizing the bilateral relationship. The odds of unification seem remote, as each opponent seeks to lead the new world order.
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