US and EU prepared “for the worst”

The United States Secretary of State, Anthony Blinkenand the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Policy, Joseph Borrellhave once again staged their coordination with Russia on Monday and have insisted that the allies are prepared “for the worst”, in the framework of tensions due to the accumulation of Russian troops on the border with Ukraine.

In a press conference held after a meeting held in Washington, Blinken detailed that the meeting, in which the energy issue was addressed, took place at a “very important” moment and is “part of a more broad” in reference to this crisis “and beyond.

Blinken, who has indicated that the United States, Europe and the rest of the allies are working to guarantee the energy supply in the event that Russia decides to invade Ukraine, has insisted on the “massive costs” that an intervention by Moscow in its neighboring country for its economy, where it has included the imposition of sanctions or controls on exports.

Borrell: “We hope for the best, but prepare for the worst”

On the other hand, Blinken has ruled out that the United States and its allies stimulate “alarmism” around the situation on the Ukrainian border and has insisted that the accumulation of Russian troops on the border “is the facts.” “It is what we are seeing and it is what we are responding to”, he has riveted her.

For his part, Borrell stressed that Monday’s discussion on energy has shown “once again” the “strong” union between Washington and Brussels, also on political issues.

“We hope for the best, but prepare for the worst,” he added. However, he has conveyed that “there is still room for dialogue, to avoid the worst” said Borrell.

The High Representative of the EU for Foreign Policy has recalled that gas prices have increased between six and ten times in a year and has stressed that the “immediate priority” is to avoid interruption of supply by the largest gas supplier of Europe, which is Moscow.

Emmanuel Macron and Vladimir Putin in Moscow. Photo: EFE

Meeting in the Kremlin

The President of France, Emmanuel Macroncalled his Russian counterpart on Monday, Vladimir Putinto find a collective response to avoid a war in Europe.

At the beginning of his meeting with Putin in the Kremlin, Macron expressed his confidence in “finding a useful and collective response for Russia and for the whole of Europe (…) that will make it possible to avoid a war and build stability and confidence for all”.

“I believe that today’s conversation can pave the way that we must take, that of de-escalation,” he stressed.

Macron has said he is aware of the “political-military” situation on the continent and has called for the responsibility of all the actors involved in the crisis.