"No decisions about Ukraine without Ukraine": White House reports conversation between Biden and Zelensky

U.S. President Joe Biden has made it clear that the United States, its allies and partners are committed to the principle of "no decisions or discussions about Ukraine without Ukraine". This was announced by the White House following a conversation between Presidents of the USA and Ukraine Joe Biden and Volodymyr Zelensky on December 9, - Radio Liberty writes.

"President Biden expressed deep concern of the United States and our European allies about Russia's aggressive actions against Ukraine and made it clear that the USA and our allies would respond with decisive economic and other measures in the event of further military intervention. He reaffirmed the United States' unwavering commitment to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine", - the statement says.

During the conversation, the leaders called on Russia to de-escalate tensions and agreed that diplomacy is the best way to make significant progress in resolving the conflict.

"President Biden stressed the United States' readiness to participate in supporting confidence-building measures to advance the implementation of the Minsk agreements and in support of the Normandy Format", - the White House reported.

Following the conversation, President Zelensky reported that the American leader briefed him on the content of the talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. In addition, according to Zelensky, they discussed possible formats for resolving the conflict in the Donbas.

As reported, Biden warned Putin on December 7 about "the toughest sanctions" in the event of Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Let us recall that the conversation between Zelensky and Biden took place on December 9, lasted an hour and a half and took place two days after the conversation of the American President with Russian President Vladimir Putin – against the backdrop of anxiety of Ukraine and the West due to another Russian build-up of forces near the Ukrainian borders and possible preparation for a new invasion.