by Tyler Durden at ZeroHedge
Biden and Putin spoke for two hours – their second such call since July – and coming amid widespread media and official accusations that Russia is mustering troops near Ukraine, possibly planning an “invasion”.
But the call began on a jovial enough note with a grinning US president giving “killer” Putin a hearty “hello” to kick things off, in contrast to the sensational and hyped headlines that the rival powers are poised for war. Biden literally chuckled out loud, as if reuniting with a long lost old pal… “good to see you again!”
Biden doesn’t sound like a man gunning for a war, to be fair. pic.twitter.com/PEKDnhenl7
— Bryan MacDonald (@27khv) December 7, 2021
According to the relatively brief White House readout of the call, Biden warned Putin of a “strong response” coming in the scenario of a Russia military escalation in Ukraine.
“President Biden voiced the deep concerns of the United States and our European Allies about Russia’s escalation of forces surrounding Ukraine and made clear that the U.S. and our Allies would respond with strong economic and other measures in the event of military escalation,” the statement said.
Previously the US administration warned of fresh severe economic sanctions being prepared by Washington and European allies should Russia attack Ukraine…
Continue Reading