The United States (US) and Russia locked horns over the Ukraine crisis at the United Nations Security Council. There have been angry clashes between Russian and US envoys over Moscow's troop build-up near Ukraine.
US Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield said that the mobilization was the biggest Europe had seen in decades. The Ambassador mentioned that the Russian invasion of Ukraine would threaten global security. Thomas-Greenfield further warned of more Russian troops arriving in Belarus.
She claimed that Washington has seen evidence that Russia plans to deploy 30,000 more troops in Belarus by early February. However, Russia's U.N. Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia said there was "no proof" Russia was planning military action against Ukraine.
The incident took place on Monday during a special open session on this matter at the council. Both the countries accused each other of being "provocative." With this, U.S.-Russia relations have hit a new low.
The United States needed at least nine votes to proceed with the council meeting after Russia called a procedural vote. Ten members voted in favor of the United States. Russia and China voted no. India, Gabon, and Kenya abstained.
Russia's U.N. The Ambassador said Moscow was not afraid to discuss Ukraine. However, it didn't understand the reason for the meeting. The U.S.-requested a council meeting on this matter.
The center of the discussion was the build-up of Russian troops near Ukraine. The US called it a threat to international peace and security. The US and UK said to impose further sanctions if Russia invades Ukraine.
According to Reuters, the Security Council conducted meetings dozens of times over the crisis in Ukraine since Russia annexed Crimea in 2014.
Last week, the Joe Biden administration handed a written response to Russia outlining Washington’s position on the crisis in Ukraine. However, Russia’s Nebenzya once again said Ukraine should be barred from joining NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization).
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