Biden-Putin Summit Reaches Principle Agreement... "On Condition of No Invasion" (Comprehensive)

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News/AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] Amid escalating tensions over Ukraine, a summit between U.S. President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin has been arranged. The summit was agreed upon following a proposal by French President Emmanuel Macron, but it is scheduled to proceed on the condition that Russia does not invade, drawing attention to whether the summit can open a path to resolving the crisis.

The ?lys?e Palace, the office of the French president, announced on the 20th (local time) through a press release that President Macron had a phone conversation with President Biden and President Putin. The ?lys?e stated, "President Biden and President Putin have agreed in principle to hold a summit," and added that U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will meet on the 24th to prepare the agenda.

The ?lys?e emphasized that discussions about the summit are only possible under the condition that Russia does not attack Ukraine. It also proposed discussions on security and strategic stability with relevant stakeholders in Europe, adding that President Macron is prepared to engage in such talks with all interested parties.

Shortly after France’s announcement, the White House confirmed in a statement by spokesperson Jen Psaki that President Biden had accepted the summit with President Putin in principle. Psaki said, "As President Biden has repeatedly stated, we will pursue diplomacy up until the moment an invasion begins," and added, "We are always ready to engage in diplomacy."

However, Psaki expressed concern, saying, "If Russia chooses war, we are prepared to swiftly impose severe consequences," and noted, "Currently, Russia appears to be preparing for a full-scale attack on Ukraine soon."

Earlier, President Macron had two urgent phone calls with President Putin on the same day and also spoke with President Biden to discuss solutions to the Ukraine crisis.

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