Blinken discuses Russia's military buildup near Ukraine's border with UAE, Saudi Arabia

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Tuesday discussed Russian military buildup near Ukraine with UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud. It is to mention that Russia has repeatedly denied any intentions of inving Ukraine, however, its deployment of 100,000 troops at Ukrainian border has become a major flashpoint in relations between Moscow and West. In a statement, US State Department spokesperson Ned Price said that in a telephone call with UAE’s Sheikh Abdullah and Saudi’s  Prince Faisal, Blinken discussed Russia’s military buildup near Ukraine, along with or bilateral and regional security issues.

“Secretary Blinken and Sheikh Abdullah discussed Russia's military buildup near Ukraine's borders as well as or bilateral and regional issues, including developments in Yemen, Ethiopia, and Sudan," Price said in a statement, ding that US Secretary of States also congratulated UAE for assuming a seat on UNSC earlier this month. 

Blinken discusses bilateral issues with Saudi FM

In a separate statement, Price said that Blinken discussed buildup near Ukraine with Saudi Foreign Minister as well. Both diplomats also discussed or bilateral and regional security issues, including Yemen and Sudan, Price ded. Separately, according to a statement from Saudi Foreign Ministry, two officials reviewed strategic relations between Saudi Arabia and US and ways to strengn m in all areas of cooperation and joint coordination. 

“During call, two ministers also discussed many regional and international issues of common interest, foremost of which is promotion of security and stability in Middle East region, and efforts to establish foundations of peace me by two friendly countries in region and world,” statement re. 

Meanwhile, it is to mention that concern of Russia’s military buildup near Ukraine has been rising. In recent months, US and NATO have voiced concerns over Russia’s alleged preparations for inving Ukraine. However, Moscow has repeatedly denied accusations and said that Russia has right to relocate troops within its territory at its own discretion, while NATO’s military activity near Russian border poses a threat to its security. Now, Russia and US officials are set to meet in person in Geneva on January 10 in a bid to discuss Ukraine crisis.

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