Pentagon chief Austin discussed the situation in Ukraine with 15 US allies in NATO and Europe
Lloyd Austin. Photo: Ints Kalnins / Reuters
Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin discussed with 15 US NATO allies and European partners the situation in Ukraine, as well as the Russian military operation in the Donbass. It is reported by RIA Novosti with reference to a statement by Pentagon spokesman John Kirby.
In particular, Austin held direct talks with his Canadian and Turkish counterparts.
The head of the Pentagon also took part in a virtual meeting with the heads of the defense departments of France, Germany, Italy and the UK. In addition, he participated in a teleconference with the heads of the Defense Ministry of Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania and Slovakia.
Earlier, US President Joe Biden said that Washington would impose additional sanctions and export restrictions against Russia. Later, the US Treasury announced that it was imposing sanctions on Russian banks, including Otkritie, Novikombank, and Sovcombank.
On February 24, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that he had decided to conduct a special military operation to protect Donbass. He announced this during an appeal to fellow citizens. Putin has also turned to outside forces that might try to pose a threat to Russia. According to him, Russia's response will be immediate.
