US urges effort to ‘de-escalate’ Russia-Ukraine tension

The White House on Friday urged diplomatic efforts to “de-escalate” tensions amid a Russian troop build-up on the Ukrainian border and Moscow’s “harsh rhetoric.”

President Joe Biden’s national security advisor, Jake Sullivan, talked with the head of the Ukrainian presidential administration, Andriy Yermak, spokeswoman Emily Horne said.

“They discussed their shared concerns about ongoing Russian military activities near Ukraine’s border and its harsh rhetoric towards Ukraine. They agreed that all sides should pursue diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions,” Horne said.

“Sullivan underscored the United States’ unwavering commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” she said.

The call came as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russia of sending “very dangerous” signals on the border and said a coup plot involving Russian citizens had been uncovered in Ukraine.

Moscow, which backs separatist territories in eastern Ukraine and seized the Crimea region, has dismissed all accusations, blaming Ukraine and Washington for raising tensions.