President Joe Biden met with European leaders via videoconference to discuss the latest situation in the tension caused by Russia’s deployment of thousands of troops on the Ukrainian border.
The White House said in a statement that the leaders reiterated their concern over Russia’s military deployment and their support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The leaders stressed their common desire to find a diplomatic solution to the current tensions and reviewed their recent contacts with Russia on various platforms. “We discussed joint efforts that will bring great results and serious economic costs,” the statement said.
According to the statement, the leaders expressed their commitment to work in close contact with their transatlantic allies and partners through the EU, NATO and OSCE.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, European Council President Charles Michel, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, Polish President Andrzej Duda and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson attended the meeting.
In the statement made by the Elysee Palace, it was stated that French President Emmanuel Macron expressed his concern about the situation on the Ukrainian border and emphasized the need to work together to end the tension.
According to the statement, Macron stated that the end of the tension will be possible thanks to the determined warnings to Russia, the continuous cooperation of the European partners and their allies, and the increased dialogue with Russia.
Macron to speak with Putin and Zelenski
Macron noted that the talks will continue in the Normandy format and within this scope, a meeting will be held on January 26 in Paris between the political advisers of the leaders of Russia, Ukraine, France and Germany.
It was stated that Macron will meet by phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in the coming days.
Polish President Andrzej Duda stated after the meeting that NATO is united on Ukraine.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg also stated that President Joe Biden, European leaders and NATO gave a common message to Moscow that an attack on Ukraine would be a hard response. Stoltenberg tweeted: “We agree that Russia’s increased aggressive stance will have serious consequences.”