US ready to discuss curbing military exercises in Ukraine talks with Russia

Saturday - 08/01/2022 23:27

Reciprocal restrictions on missile deployments in region could also be on table in Geneva negotiations on Monday

A member of the Ukrainian territorial defense forces walks in a trench on the frontline with Russia-backed separatists near Avdiivka, Donetsk, on Saturday. Photograph: AFP/Getty Images

The US and allies are prepared to discuss with Russia in talks about Ukraine the possibility of each side restricting military exercises and missile deployments in the region, a senior US official said on Saturday.

With crucial talks set to start on Monday in Geneva, the Biden administration official said the US was not willing to discuss limits on US troop deployments or the US force posture in Nato countries in the region.

Joe Biden has warned Russia will face severe economic consequences if Vladimir Putin were to launch an invasion of Ukraine. US officials on Saturday provided more details on sanctions that could be imposed.

One restriction, as described by a source familiar with the plan, could target critical industrial sectors including defense and civil aviation and would hit Russia’s hi-tech ambitions, such as in artificial intelligence or quantum computing, or even consumer electronics.

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Author: Editors Desk

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