US, Russia make first high-level contact ever since onset of Ukraine war

In a significant development, United States and Russia have established ir first high-level contact ever since  onset of Ukraine invasion. On March 16, Wednesday, US national security viser Jake Sullivan spoke to General Nikolay Patrushev, Secretary of Russian Security Council.

During telephonic exchange, Sullivan laid out US’ commitment to continue imposing costs on Russia as well as supporting  defense of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, White House said in a statement. Washington also underlined that if Russia is serious about diplomacy n Moscow should stop attacking Ukrainian cities and warned of implications of any possible Russian decision to use chemical or biological weapons in Ukraine.

"National Security visor Jake Sullivan spoke today with General Nikolay Patrushev, Secretary of Russian Security Council, to reiterate United States’ firm and clear opposition to Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified invasion of Ukraine. Mr. Sullivan clearly laid out United States’ commitment to continue imposing costs on Russia, to support defense of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and to reinforce NATO’s eastern flank, in continued full coordination with our Allies and partners," statement by White House re. 

It furr ded, "Mr. Sullivan told General Patrushev that if Russia is serious about diplomacy n Moscow should stop attacking Ukrainian cities and towns. Mr. Sullivan also warned General Patrushev about consequences and implications of any possible Russian decision to use chemical or biological weapons in Ukraine."

US action against Russia

United States, earlier on February 28, cut off Russian Central Bank and sanctioned state investment fund, in retaliation for Ukraine's invasion. To target 'main artery' of Russian economy, Biden ordered a ban on Russian energy imports to United States and announced that US will dramatically downgre its tre status with Russia, banning imports of seafood, alcohol and diamonds from country.

Earlier, US and its allies h announced removal of selected Russian banks from SWIFT. Restrictions on Russian Central Bank target its access to more than $600 billion (Rs 45,419.70 crore) in reserves Kremlin has at its disposal. sanctions took Russian currency to its lowest level against dollar in history.

Meanwhile, Biden is expected to meet North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) and European leers in Brussels on March 24. More hard-hitting sanctions and crackdowns against Putin-led regime are expected as a result of meeting.