Tension between Ukraine and Russia continues to escalate, as the United States and other NATO allies continue to make progress through diplomatic channels.

Russia responds to US letter on Ukraine: “Not much cause for optimism”

Jan 27, 2022

Tension between Ukraine and Russia continues to escalate, as the United States and other NATO allies continue to make progress through diplomatic channels. Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced Wednesday that his office formally responded to Russian demands regarding Ukraine through a letter.

“We’re not releasing the document publicly because we think that diplomacy has the best chance to succeed if we provide space for confidential talks,” Blinken said. “It remains up to Russia to decide how to respond. We’re ready either way.”

New: As expected, Kremlin says U.S. written responses ignored Russia's main NATO demand.

Putin will now take time to analyze the papers, but there is "not much cause for optimism," a spokesman said. https://t.co/UXimhAr74w

— Zach Basu (@zacharybasu) January 27, 2022

Thursday morning, a Kremlin spokesperson told reporters Russian officials are looking at the letter, but that there is “not much cause for optimism.”

AS THE U.S. TRIES ONE MORE ATTEMPT AT DIPLOMACY WITH RUSSIA SOME OF ITS EUROPEAN ALLIES ARE TAKING A MORE HARD-HEADED APPROACH TO HELPING THE PEOPLE OF UKRAINE.

SECRETARY OF STATE ANTONY BLINKEN CONFIRMED HIS OFFICE SENT RUSSIAN PRESIDENT VLADIMIR PUTIN A LETTER CALLING IT A “DIPLOMATIC PATH FORWARD.”

IN THE LETTER… A WRITTEN RESPONSE TO RUSSIA’S DEMANDS.

TAKE SOT- ANTONY BLINKEN

<<”The document is with them and the balls in their court/we’re prepared either way.”>>

Annie Andersen: BUT ALREADY THE KREMLIN IS SAYING THEY AREN’T OPTIMISTIC THE TERMS WOULD BE MET.

BLINKEN IS STAYING MUM ON THE DETAILS OF THE LETTER.. SAYING HE WANTS TO ALLOW TIME FOR DIPLOMACY TO WORK.

BUT ONE NUGGET.. PRESIDENT BIDEN WAS “INTIMATELY INVOLVED IN CRAFTING THE LETTER.”

THIS AS RUSSIA IS RAMPING UP ITS PRESENCE ON the UKRAINIAN BORDER.

INTELLIGENCE EXPERTS ESTIMATE THERE ARE UP TO ABOUT 120 THOUSAND TROOPS.. INCLUDING A NEW DEVELOPMENT..

20 RUSSIAN WARSHIPS ARE NOW IN THE BLACK SEA ALONG UKRAINE’S BORDER.

TAKE SOT- ANTONY BLINKEN

<<”the alliance and individual allies are coming together to support our partners and defend what should be invaluable principles”>>

Annie Andersen: BUT ARE THEY? UKRAINE’S CALLS TO WESTERN ALLIES FOR AID HAVE BEEN MET WITH VARYING RESPONSE. THE UK, US, AND BALTIC STATES HAVE SENT TROOPS, WARPLANES AND ANTI-TANK WEAPONS.

GERMANY?

THEY OFFERED 5,000 HELMETS,, A MOVE SLAMMED AS AN “ABSOLUTE JOKE” BY THE MAYOR OF KYIV.

The US, UK and France have signalled they’re willing to beef up their military presence – should Russia attack Ukraine.

STRAIGHT FROM DC I’M AA