Bitter Exchanges Over Ukraine At UN
By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News
NEW YORK (Worthy News) – In exchanges resembling the Cold War, Russian and American diplomats were engaged in fierce verbal battles over Moscow’s estimated 127,000 troops near Ukraine.
U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield called the mobilization “the biggest Europe had seen” in decades, underscoring Western fears of a Russian invasion.
Her Russian counterpart accused the United States of fomenting hysteria and unacceptable interference in Russia’s affairs.
Their bitter exchanges at the United Nations Security Council underscored sharp differences over de-escalating the crisis. Moscow demands security guarantees.
These demands include a promise by the NATO military alliance not to accept Ukraine as a member, something Washington says is unacceptable.
Amid the standoff, the United States and Britain promised further sanctions if Russia invades Ukraine despite disagreements within the European Union and NATO military alliance.
Hungary, an EU, and NATO member, has expressed concerns about sanctions, saying it could impact Russian energy supplies to Hungary and other nations in the region.
The Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who meets Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday, also opposes closer ties of Ukraine with NATO and the EU under current circumstances.
He first wants Kyiv to change legislation that he views as discriminating against ethnic Hungarians and other minorities before Ukraine’s integration in these organizations can be discussed.
However, Britain’s Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said legislation was being prepared to target a broader range of individuals and businesses close to the Kremlin than is currently possible.
And a U.S. official said Washington’s sanctions meant individuals close to the Kremlin would be cut off from the international financial system.
Yet Washington also pledged diplomatic efforts continue, with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken due to hold talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov later on Tuesday.
The US says it has now received a written response from Russia to a US proposal aimed at de-escalating the crisis in Ukraine.
A state department spokesperson said it would be “unproductive” to negotiate the response in public but that Washington was committed to dialogue.
Ukraine has expressed concerns that talks of an imminent invasion could harm its economy.
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