US government ‘prepared for any eventuality’ in Ukraine crisis

“We and our allies are ready for any eventuality,” the US security adviser said. This applies both to diplomatic negotiations and in the event that Russian President Vladimir Putin seeks a military escalation. We have made clear to Russia the costs and consequences of further military action or the destabilization of Ukraine. Sullivan again threatened Moscow with imposing economic and financial sanctions, export control measures and arming Ukraine “if the Russian army crosses the Ukrainian border.”

Representatives of 30 NATO countries and Russia held talks Wednesday for the first time in two and a half years – on the conflict in Ukraine and the security guarantees Moscow is demanding from the transatlantic military alliance. There was also a meeting of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe on Thursday. A high-level meeting of representatives from Russia and the United States was held in Geneva on Monday.

“The conversations were straightforward and direct; they were helpful,” Sullivan said. The United States will now consult with its allies on how to proceed. There are currently no dates for new talks with Russia.

With a view to the possible stationing of Russian forces in Cuba and Venezuela, Sullivan said: “If Russia moves in this direction, we will act decisively.” He did not provide any details. The government in Moscow has not ruled out such a step if talks on binding security guarantees fail.