U.S. President Joe Biden holds virtual talks with Russia's President Vladimir Putin amid Western fears that Moscow plans to attack Ukraine, as Secretary of State Antony Blinken listens with other officials during a secure video call from the Situation Room at the White House in Washington, U.S., December 7, 2021. (Photo: REUTERS) |
The leaders' exchange set the stage for lower-level engagement between the countries, including a US-Russia security meeting, followed by a Russia-NATO session, and a broader conference including Moscow, Washington and other European countries slated for next month. Despite the talk of diplomacy, the tone of the call was described by officials on both sides as "serious." And neither side detailed significant progress towards a resolution.