US Says De-Escalation Effort by Macron are 'Encouraging'

LOCAL NEWS

• US says it was encouraged by France’s de-escalation efforts following Macron’s talks with Putin, but noted that Washington could not say whether it would deliver a de-escalation.
  • Jen Psaki: “We still don’t have any prediction on what Putin will do. We can’t control what Russia will do next.” Psaki said Biden could hold talks with Macron soon
• NATO Chief Stoltenberg & Biden Advisor Sullivan discuss readiness for the continuation of dialogue with Russia to find a diplomatic solution to the Ukraine crisis via phone.
  • Similarly, Germany, France & Poland urged Russia to start a substantial EU security dialogue to help defuse the situation, stating their readiness for engage in negotiations
• Both Russia & Ukraine are set to begin their respective military drills tomorrow as planned. Ukraine’s drills will incorporate armed drones and antitank weapons provided by the US & NATO. Defense Minister Reznikov said the drills, scheduled to take place through Feb. 20, are a response to the Russian exercises near the border
• Macron Urged Kyiv to comply with the Minsk accords in his visit yesterday. Saying they are the only basis for settling the crisis and establishing peace. This comes before Normandy format talks tomorrow where the Minsk accords are due to be discussed
• Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell expressed skepticism about the effectiveness a sanctions bill would have in swaying Russian President Vladimir Putin’s decisions on Ukraine.
  • “I don’t think Putin will be deterred by any piece of legislation in the Senate,” he said. McConnell said the Nord Stream 2 pipeline should be blocked now and that President Joe Biden already has the authority he needs to enact sanctions.