Scholz and Biden said that there is no reduction in the number of Russian troops near Ukraine
Olaf Scholz and Joe Biden. Photo: Globallookpress.com
US President Joe Biden and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz had a telephone conversation during which they agreed that there was no significant reduction in the number of Russian troops near Ukraine. It is reported by TASS with reference to the German government.
“The risk of further Russian military aggression against Ukraine remains. No significant withdrawal of Russian troops has yet been observed,” the statement said.
Scholz discussed with his American colleague his visits to Kiev and Moscow. The parties noted that the risk of a military escalation around Ukraine still remains, and a constructive dialogue is required to resolve the situation.
The US President and the German Chancellor welcomed Russia's statements about its readiness for diplomatic efforts around Ukraine. They also stressed the importance of a dialogue on security in Europe, the need to implement the Minsk agreements and progress in the Normandy format. “The key to this lies in Moscow,” summed up the German government.
Earlier, the US State Department said that Russia continues to pull troops to the border with Ukraine and does not de-escalate the situation. The US Foreign Office added that Washington's concerns about Ukraine have not diminished one iota.
The Russian Armed Forces have completed part of the military exercises. The units of the Southern and Western military districts began to return to their bases by rail and road.
