"Russian Invasion Imminent" US Biden to Hold National Security Meeting and Likely Speak with French President Macron

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[Asia Economy New York=Special Correspondent Joselgina] U.S. President Joe Biden, who judged that Russia's invasion of Ukraine is imminent, convened the National Security Council (NSC) on Sunday, the 20th (local time), and is expected to have a phone call with French President Emmanuel Macron soon, CNN reported.

The exact timing of the phone call has not been disclosed. The NSC, which President Biden convened from 11:30 a.m. that day, has now concluded.

Earlier, President Macron agreed to hold a trilateral meeting within hours during talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. This dialogue will include Ukraine, Russia, and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). The Elysee Palace stated, "President Macron and President Putin agreed to prioritize a diplomatic solution to resolve the current situation."

Russia indefinitely postponed joint military exercises with Belarus, originally scheduled to end that day, citing the crisis in the Donbas region as the reason.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken appeared on CNN that day and mentioned the extension of the joint military exercises between Russia and Belarus, expressing concern that "the invasion is imminent." He said, "If diplomacy can persuade Russian President Vladimir Putin before the tanks move, we will use every opportunity."

The United States and Russia are scheduled to hold a foreign ministers' meeting on the 23rd.

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