Johnson talks to Putin about Ukraine

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson spoke with Russian
President Vladimir Putin by phone on Dec. 13. Their talk touched upon climate change
and environmental issues, but the primary topic was the security situation and
the UK’s commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Johnson
expressed Britain’s “deep concern” over the military buildup in south-western
Russia, the UK readout of the call stated.

Putin told Johnson that NATO members were threatening
Russia by working with Ukraine, Reuters reported. However, they both agreed
that implementing the Minsk Accords was the preferred path forward.

James Hydzik: Keeping a
constant beat about the dangers of further military aggression might convince
the Kremlin not to advance. At the same time, the two sides are playing on
their understanding of the Minsk Agreement, as the serious disagreement as to
what that entails is ignored in public statements.