The President of the United States, Joe Biden, convened a conference call today with the leaders of Romania, Poland and other countries of the European Union and NATO, The Guardian reported, quoting a White House official.
“President Biden will speak this afternoon to transatlantic leaders about Russia’s build-up of military troops on the border with Ukraine and our continued efforts to pursue deterrence and diplomacy,” the official said.
Along with Biden and Klaus Iohannis, leaders from France, Germany, Canada, the United Kingdom and other EU NATO leaders will join the teleconference.
“President Joseph R. Biden spoke today with Transatlantic leaders about the likelihood of further Russian aggression against Ukraine. Together they expressed deep concern over Russia’s continued build-up of forces, reiterated their strong support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and discussed the importance of further economic assistance to Ukraine. They pledged to continue pursuing diplomacy to de-escalate tensions while ensuring readiness to impose swift, coordinated economic costs on Russia should it choose further conflict. The leaders also discussed efforts to ensure the defense and security of NATO’s eastern flank.
Participants in the call included Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, European Council President Charles Michel, President Emmanuel Macron of France, Chancellor Olaf Scholz of Germany, Prime Minister Mario Draghi of Italy, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, President Andrzej Duda of Poland, President Klaus Iohannis of Romania, and Prime Minister Boris Johnson of the United Kingdom,” the White House announced after Biden’s call with Transatlantic leaders.
A similar discussion took place last week, during which assessments and conclusions were presented following talks with Russian officials.
While attending President Klaus Iohannis the European Council’s informal meeting reiterated on Thursday Romania’s strong support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and for the right of this country to decide freely on its European and Euro-Atlantic aspirations.
“At today’s EUCO I reiterated Romania’s strong support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and for its right to freely decide on its European and Euro-Atlantic aspirations. We need to continue to pursue dialogue and seek a diplomatic resolution,” Iohannis posted on Twitter.
He added that risks to European security are still critical.
“We need to continue our efficient coordination and demonstrate visible unity during this crisis, which enhances the security of the entire Euro-Atlantic area,” Klaus Iohannis pointed out.
The European Council’s informal meeting on the latest security developments on the Ukrainian border, as well as the 6th European Union – African Union Summit is taking place on Thursday and Friday.