Europe once again is at a critical period in which Russia recently stated that the United States and Ukraine will “provoke it” on the Eve of the Winter Olympics. While making an effort to “defend Russians from American and Ukrainian aggression.” The United States said on Wednesday, January 27th, it had set out a diplomatic path to address sweeping Russian demands in eastern Europe, as Moscow held security talks with Western countries and intensified its military build-up near Ukraine with new drills. These drills have consisted of troops positioned to the North, South, and East of Ukraine. These involve tanks and drones, as well as standard infantry and elite paratroopers. Some of these tanks are being taken off of trains in Bellaruce. U.S. Government employees have warned that a build-up of military actions could lead to even more escalation and conflict. In a written response to Russia’s demands delivered in person by its ambassador in Moscow, the United States repeated its commitment to upholding NATO’s “open-door” policy while offering a “principled and pragmatic evaluation” 

Russia has demanded NATO pull back troops and weapons from eastern Europe and bar its neighbor Ukraine, a former Soviet state, from ever joining. The U.S. and its NATO allies reject that position but stated that they are ready to discuss other topics such as arms control and confidence-building measures. The United States and its allies’ agenda will determine the next phase of this crisis, in which Moscow has massed around 100,000 troops near the border with Ukraine while denying its plans to invade. At this time, sanctions have been made against Russia. If and possibly when Russia continues to pressure Ukraine, NATO member states can diminish pressure. At this time, it does not seem appropriate to make any preemptive military action that could reinforce Putin’s domestic position. While Russian troops continue to mass near the Ukrainian border, Russia’s foreign minister has declared that there will be no war. But stated that once again Moscow will defend its interests. In a recent call with Ukraine President Vladimir Zelenskiky, Joe Biden reaffirmed America’s readiness to respond decisively should Russia Invade.