Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken will meet with Foreign Minister Sergey V. Lavrov of Russia in Geneva on Friday as the United States warns that Russia could soon attack Ukraine.
Tag Archives: United States International Relations
Sudan’s Security Forces Kill Protesters as U.S. Diplomats’ Visit Nears
Seven people died after being shot at demonstrations in the northeast African country, a doctors’ group said, bringing the civilian death toll since the military seized back power to 71.
Russia Thins Out Its Embassy in Ukraine, a Possible Clue to Putin’s Next Move
The slow evacuation may be part propaganda, part preparation for a conflict or part feint, Ukrainian and U.S. officials say. It could be all three.
Poroshenko, ex-President, Returns to Ukraine, Roiling Politics
Petro O. Poroshenko, a former president, returned to Kyiv on Monday facing possible arrest, adding internal political turmoil to a threat of Russian invasion.
Poroshenko, Former President, Returns to Ukraine, Roiling Politics
Petro O. Poroshenko, a former president, returned to Kyiv on Monday facing possible arrest, adding internal political turmoil to a threat of Russian invasion.
In the Trenches of Ukraine’s Forever War
Russian belligerence has drawn the world’s attention back to the eight-year-old secessionist rebellion in the Donbas region: a deadlocked, time-warped conflict with no end in sight.
Russia Issues Subtle Threats More Far-Reaching Than a Ukraine Invasion
If the West fails to meet its security demands, Moscow could take measures like placing nuclear missiles close to the U.S. coastline, Russian officials have hinted.
U.S. Charges Russia Sent Saboteurs Into Ukraine to Create Pretext for Invasion
The intelligence said the operatives were “trained in urban warfare and in using explosives,” and could try to stage an incident.
U.S. Considers Backing an Insurgency in Ukraine
Conversations about supporting Ukrainian insurgents in the event of a Russian invasion has revived the specter of a new Cold War.
Fear of Russia Brings New Purpose and Unity to NATO, Once Again
After years of drift, Trumpian ridicule and failure in Afghanistan, Russian demands for a new Iron Curtain in Europe have created unity in the alliance, at least for now.
New Sanctions for Russian Gas Pipeline Fall Short in Senate
The measure pitted Ukraine’s president, who was pushing for the penalties, against the Biden administration, which successfully lobbied Democrats to oppose them.
North Korea Threatens ‘Stronger’ Reaction as U.S. Seeks Sanctions Over Missile Tests
The country’s warning came as tensions have crept up over its six missile tests in recent months.
On Russia, NATO and Ukraine, the U.S. Must Stop Lying to Itself
Like it or not, “spheres of influence” are a fact. Washington knows this.
Why NATO Won’t Let Ukraine Join Anytime Soon
Ukraine, with Russian troops on its borders, is pressing for membership. But President Biden and European leaders are not ready for that step.
NATO Won’t Let Ukraine Join Soon. Here’s Why.
Ukraine, with Russian troops on its borders, is pressing for membership. But President Biden and European leaders are not ready for that step.
Russia and West at Impasse as Ukraine Urges Reversal of Troop Buildup
In a third round of diplomacy on Eastern European security this week, Kremlin officials sounded an increasingly pessimistic note, though they did not close the door on future talks.
For Putin, Propping Up Allies Is Turning Into a Perilous Bargain
The Russian leader is fighting fires on multiple fronts, illustrating the danger of his strategy of relying on force to aid his autocratic neighbors.
The U.S. and Iran Move Closer to a Nuclear Deal
As negotiations reach a critical stage, neither side wants to betray weakness by seeming too eager to reach a deal.
NATO and Russia Talk Frankly, but Past One Another for Now
Four hours of frank and serious discussion between Russia and the 30-member alliance leave unanswered whether Vladimir V. Putin will choose diplomacy or war.
Biden Administration Approves 5 More Guantánamo Releases
Nearly half of the last 39 detainees have now been approved for transfer, and the challenge for U.S. officials is to find countries to receive them.
What Putin Really Wants From the Ukraine Crisis
He wants to break NATO’s back. And he might succeed.
Putin’s Next Move on Ukraine Is a Mystery. Just the Way He Likes It.
The contradictory, sometimes menacing messages from the Kremlin have stumped Western officials and Russia experts, showing the Russian leader’s desire to keep his rivals on edge.
A Russian Pledge of No Invasion? Ukrainians Are Skeptical.
When Russians say no, they often mean yes, a former Ukrainian member of Parliament said, as suspicion ran deep about Moscow’s intentions.
In Talks on Ukraine, U.S. and Russia Deadlock Over NATO Expansion
Both sides expressed some optimism after negotiations in Geneva, but did not break an impasse over Russia’s demand that Ukraine never become a member of NATO.
Russia Positioning Helicopters, in Possible Sign of Ukraine Plans
The step, which could be an indication that planning for an attack continues, comes as the number of Russian troops at the border has remained steady in recent weeks, despite U.S. expectations of a surge.
U.S.-Russia Talks Have Echoes of the Cold War
The Cold War echoes of the negotiations unfolding this week in a series of meetings between Russia and the West are a reminder that there is nothing permanent about Europe’s security arrangements.
U.S. and Russia Will Discuss European Security, but Without Europeans
The coming talks in Geneva are bilateral, reviving old fears that the two Cold War powers will forge a deal on their own.
Can the West Stop Russia From Invading Ukraine? Here’s What You Need to Know.
The United States, its NATO allies and Russia meet this week in a whirlwind of diplomacy aimed at averting the largest military action in Europe since World War II.
Putin Would Invite Calamity With a Russian Invasion of Ukraine
Putin’s real concern isn’t the placement of NATO weapons on his country’s borders, but the very existence of a sovereign Ukrainian democracy.
James A. Baker III’s Words on NATO Loom in Ukraine Standoff
The current confrontation turns partly on what, if any, commitments Secretary of State James A. Baker III made about NATO’s expansion in the waning days of the Cold War.
Russia Warns That U.S. Doesn’t Understand Its Goals on Ukraine
As the two countries prepare to meet amid rising tensions over Ukraine, a senior Russian official set a pessimistic tone.
U.S. Details Possible Sanctions on Russia Over a Ukraine Invasion
The Biden administration and its allies are developing new possible sanctions ahead of a series of meetings to defuse the crisis with Moscow.
The Ukraine Crisis Is About Much More Than Ukraine
The escalation with the country is a brush stroke on a much bigger canvas.
U.S. Military Focusing on ISIS Cell Behind Attack at Kabul Airport
The suicide bomber who killed nearly 200 people, including 13 U.S. troops, had been freed from prison by the Taliban days before the attack.
Sergey V. Lavrov Accused NATO of Stoking Ukraine Conflict
Sergey V. Lavrov accused the United States and its allies of stoking a conflict in the country’s east in comments that contrasted with a more positive tone coming from Moscow.
The Day the Soviet Flag Came Down
Reflections on the 30th anniversary of the fall of the Soviet Union.
Putin Warns Biden of ‘Complete Rupture’ Over Ukraine
President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia spoke with President Biden for 50 minutes about the escalating crisis with Ukraine, but his intentions remained unclear.
Biden and Putin Will Hold a Call on Ukraine
The Russian president requested Thursday’s call, which will be the second time in three weeks that the two leaders speak about tensions at the Ukrainian border.
U.S. and Russia Agree to Talks Amid Growing Tensions Over Ukraine
The Biden administration has not said who will lead the U.S. delegation next month as Russian officials demand commitments from NATO.
Iraq Confirms Election Gains for Muqtada al-Sadr
A court certified October’s parliamentary vote that gave Muqtada al-Sadr’s party a plurality of seats, clearing a path for a government to be formed.
NASA-Russia Alliance Is Shaken by Events on Planet Earth
The relationship between the nations’ space agencies is facing a series of difficult tests, including an antisatellite weapon and friction over Ukraine.
U.S. Policy Toward Pakistan Can’t Be All About Afghanistan
A reset won’t be easy: Resentment is rife.
U.S. Considers Warning Ukraine of a Russian Invasion in Real-Time
U.S. officials say intelligence sharing is essential to the Ukrainian government’s survival, even as they try to avoid escalating the situation.
U.S. Effort to Combat Forced Labor Targets Corporate China Ties
The Biden administration is expected to face scrutiny as it decides how to enforce a new ban on products made with forced labor in the Xinjiang region of China.
Kamala Harris’s Allies Express Concern: Is She an Afterthought?
The vice president’s allies are increasingly concerned that President Biden relied on her to win but does not need her to govern.
Deal With Ted Cruz Sets Stage for Russia Pipeline Fight in Early 2022
The Texas Republican leveraged his obstruction of diplomatic nominees into a Senate vote that could complicate President Biden’s efforts to defend Ukraine.
U.K. Foreign Secretary Inherits Thorny Issue: Northern Ireland Talks
Liz Truss is taking charge of Brexit talks after the surprise resignation of David Frost. If she is successful, it could give her a significant political boost.
U.S. and Britain Help Ukraine Prepare for Potential Russian Cyberassault
Russia has attacked Ukraine’s power grid in the past, and experts say Moscow might take similar steps as it masses troops along the border.
As U.S. Navigates Crisis in Haiti, a Bloody History Looms Large
American policy decisions are vital to understanding Haiti’s political instability, and why it remains the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere.
Israeli Defense Officials Cast Doubt on Threat to Attack Iran
Israel has threatened military action to destroy Iran’s nuclear program if need be. But defense officials say Israel does not have the ability, at least not anytime soon.