Biden And Putin Will Talk Saturday As Ukraine Crisis Reaches Fever Pitch

Topline

U.S. President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin plan to talk on the phone Saturday morning, according to multiple reports, in the latest attempt to deescalate tensions over Ukraine that could lead to a major war breaking out in eastern Europe.

Key Facts

The call is scheduled for 11 a.m. Eastern time on Saturday, according to CNN, and will be the first time the two have spoken since December 30.

U.S. officials issued a dire warning Friday urging all American citizens to leave Ukraine in the next 48 hours, amid fears Russia may launch a full-scale ground invasion at any moment.

U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said Friday officials believe “there is a credible prospect that a Russian military action would take place even before the end of the Olympics,” which wrap up February 20, though he insisted it’s still unclear whether Putin has made a decision to invade.

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Forbes.

Key Background

Around 130,000 Russian troops have been positioned along Russia’s border with Ukraine, with U.S. intelligence suggesting infrastructure has been built to support a ground invasion of Ukraine. Putin has asked Western leaders to assure him Ukraine won’t be allowed to join NATO, which he claims would pose a serious threat to Russian security. Putin’s demands have been repeatedly rejected by the Western leaders, including Biden.

What To Watch For

Biden has ruled out sending U.S. troops to Ukraine to rescue American citizens caught in the country if a war with Russia breaks out, telling NBC News direct U.S. military involvement would spark a “world war.” Biden last week did order 2,000 troops to be deployed to Germany and Poland, with 1,000 Germany-based troops being repositioned to Romania to bolster NATO defenses. The American troops are not authorized to enter Ukraine.

Tangent

Stocks plunged Friday and the price of oil spiked to a seven-year high as investors worry over the potential impact of war in Ukraine.

Further Reading

U.S. Urges Americans To Leave Ukraine Within 48 Hours—But Insists Still Unclear Whether Russia Will Invade (Forbes)

‘That’s A World War’: Biden Says He Won’t Send Troops To Help Americans Evacuate Ukraine (Forbes)

Dow Plunges 500 Points, Oil Prices Surge Amid Fears That Russia Will Soon Invade Ukraine (Forbes)

Biden Orders 3,000 Troops To Eastern Europe: Here’s Where They’re Headed (Forbes)