Sullivan Tells Russian Presidential Aide Ushakov Russia Must ‘Deescalate’

Dec. 21, 2021 (EIRNS)—U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan spoke to Russian Presidential foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov, yesterday. The White House readout reported that Sullivan told Ushakov that Russia has to de-escalate around Ukraine. Sullivan “indicated U.S. readiness to engage in diplomacy through multiple channels, including bilateral engagement, the NATO-Russia Council, and the OSCE. He made clear that any dialogue must be based on reciprocity and address our concerns about Russia’s actions, and take place in full coordination with our European Allies and partners. He also noted that substantive progress can only occur in an environment of de-escalation rather than escalation,” according to National Security Council spokeswoman Emily Horne.

The Russian readout, posted to TASS, was more measured: “Ushakov and Sullivan continued the discussion in the context of Russia’s proposals committed to paper in two draft documents that were handed over to the U.S. side,” said Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov. “The discussion was held in a business-like and pragmatic atmosphere. The presidential aides agreed to continue contacts.” The documents were handed over on Dec. 15, during the meeting in Moscow between Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov and Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Karen Donfried.