One option is to reduce the number of military exercises in Europe to reduce the risk of confrontation with Russia
Washington. November 27. INTERFAX - The administration of US President Joe Biden plans to use the upcoming meeting of NATO foreign ministers to focus on how the alliance should respond to Russia's military pressure on Ukraine, the Wall Street Journal newspaper writes, citing sources.
The newspaper notes that preparations for the meeting opening on Tuesday next week "are taking place against the backdrop of debates in the ranks of the alliance about what measures against possible Russian aggression can be taken, since Moscow is concentrating troops near Ukraine." At the same time, NATO members consider it important to keep political channels open for communication with Russia.
The alliance also takes into account that the President of Ukraine warned on Friday about a possible coup attempt in the country with the support of Moscow.
The US Assistant Secretary of State for Europe and Eurasia, Karen Donfried, said on Friday that the US is deeply concerned about "large and unusual" movements of Russian troops near Ukraine, which, as US officials have warned, could be a prelude to an invasion."
She said that the United States is considering a number of options and wants to use the meeting of NATO foreign ministers to discuss how the alliance can act together.
"There is a set of tools that includes a number of options. We will start a conversation about what options are on the table and what NATO, as an alliance, would like to do together," Donfrid said.
Options for action, the newspaper writes, referring to senior American officials, include steps to strengthen Ukraine's defense capability, the introduction of tougher economic sanctions against Russia.
"Other options are designed to reduce the risk of confrontation with Moscow, including limiting US military exercises in Europe, which, according to the Russians, are provocative, and suspending military assistance to Ukraine, officials said," the publication says.
It notes that the Biden administration is also considering the possibility of participating in the Minsk process.
The variety of options "reflects the broader debate over Russia policy in the Biden administration," writes the Wall Street Journal.
