"Strongly Desire Face-to-Face Talks"... Emphasizing Diplomatic Solutions
"World's Largest Conventional Weapons Arsenal" Flaunts Military Power to Pressure the West
[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his desire to hold a direct face-to-face meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden. As tensions escalate with the United States and the Group of Seven (G7) hinting at possible sanctions over the Ukraine border dispute, this is interpreted as a strategic move to propose a diplomatic solution to the U.S. and find a breakthrough. President Putin is also reported to have made pressure statements toward the U.S. by showcasing Russia's hypersonic missile capabilities.
On the 12th (local time), President Putin appeared on Russia's state-run Rossiya 1 TV and emphasized, "We will definitely meet in person. I really want to do that." The Kremlin stressed that Putin's remarks were a response to President Biden's greeting during the virtual summit between the two leaders on the 7th, where Biden said he regretted not being able to meet at the G20 summit held in October.
President Putin also flaunted Russia's hypersonic missile technology, continuing military pressure on the West. He stated, "We maintain a level similar to the U.S. in terms of nuclear warheads and nuclear weapons stockpiles," adding, "We are also number one in the world in conventional weapons, including hypersonic missiles." He further emphasized, "Russia is a leader in the field of hypersonic missiles, and by the time Western powers acquire this technology, we will have developed countermeasures."
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, "Although President Putin made remarks about the summit between the two leaders, it is premature to discuss the timing of a face-to-face meeting immediately," adding, "However, the situation is very serious and requires the continuous attention of both leaders." He continued, "President Biden stated that Russia would be financially isolated if it invades Ukraine, and Americans already believe this is not a joke but the truth."
As Western major countries, along with the U.S., warn of possible sanctions against Russia, this is interpreted as a hint at potential military pressure. Earlier that day, G7 foreign ministers issued a separate statement warning, "If Russia launches an attack on Ukraine, it will face tremendous consequences and enormous costs."
The U.S. government responded by pressuring that the operation of Nord Stream 2, the direct gas pipeline between Russia and Germany, would be difficult if Russia invades Ukraine. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in an interview with NBC, "If Russia attacks Ukraine, it will be very difficult for President Putin to see gas flowing through Nord Stream 2," adding, "No specific timing or schedule has yet been planned for a face-to-face meeting between President Biden and President Putin."
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