Tensions Rise in Ukraine Crisis... Biden and Putin Talk for 62 Minutes but Fail to Find Solution (Summary)

No Fundamental Change in Situation... Both Countries Agree to Continue Contact
Putin Also Talks with French President
Biden: "Will Ensure Severe Consequences if Invasion Occurs"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyunjung] Amid escalating tensions over the Ukraine crisis, U.S. President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a 62-minute phone call on the 12th (local time) to discuss the situation in Ukraine. However, multiple local media outlets reported that neither side was able to achieve a breakthrough.

This call took place as Russia increased its military presence near the Ukraine border, raising concerns among the U.S. and Western countries about a possible invasion of Ukraine, bringing tensions between the two sides to a peak.

In particular, tensions heightened as the European Union (EU) Commission recommended the withdrawal of the EU delegation stationed in Ukraine, and reports emerged that Russian diplomats in Ukraine had begun to withdraw. Furthermore, the U.S. government ordered the withdrawal of its embassy staff in Ukraine, and during this process, the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv posted on its social media, stating, "This is due to Russia's military buildup. It could indicate military action by Russia."

According to the White House, President Biden made it clear that if Russia invades Ukraine, the U.S., together with its allies and partners, will respond firmly and ensure that Russia pays a severe price. President Biden emphasized that a Russian invasion of Ukraine would cause widespread suffering and diminish Russia's standing.

Additionally, the U.S. stressed that it is prepared to resolve issues with Russia diplomatically through sufficient coordination with allies, stating, "We are equally prepared for other scenarios." The U.S. explained that the call was arranged at President Putin's request. Russia initially hoped to hold the call on the 14th, but the U.S. proposed moving it up to the 12th.

However, it appears that the call did not lead to any progress in resolving the Ukraine crisis. A U.S. official told a press briefing that all publicly raised topics related to the Ukraine situation were discussed, but no fundamental change in the situation that had developed over the past few weeks was achieved, according to local media. Instead, the two leaders agreed that their respective teams would continue to stay in contact over the coming days regarding the Ukraine situation, the official explained.

Russia described the call as "balanced and efficient," despite occurring amid what it called "peak American hysteria." Kremlin foreign affairs adviser Yuri Ushakov said during a conference call after the discussion, "The two leaders agreed to continue contacts on all issues discussed during the call." Ushakov added, "President Biden conveyed his thoughts on Russia's security guarantees to President Putin, but unfortunately, Russia's main concerns were not taken into account." He also criticized, "Today's dialogue was originally scheduled for Monday (the 14th), but was moved up due to American hysteria over a supposed Russian invasion of Ukraine."

He pointed out that U.S. media reports specifying the date of a Russian invasion of Ukraine were "misinformation," and claimed, "I do not understand why the U.S. provides the media with false information regarding Russia's alleged invasion of Ukraine."

President Putin also held a phone call lasting about 100 minutes with French President Emmanuel Macron on the same day. During the call, Putin reportedly expressed his desire to continue discussions on European security and stability. President Macron told Putin that genuine dialogue cannot coexist with rising tensions and warned that the West would respond firmly if Russia invades Ukraine.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.