Blinken, Chinese Counterpart Discuss Ukraine Tensions over Phone

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken affirmed on Thursday, that any Russian attack on Ukraine would threaten global security and the economy.

In a phone call with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi, Blinken highlighted the global security and economic risks that the Russian attack on Ukraine could pose, pointing out that de-escalation and diplomacy are the responsible way forward.

On his part, Wang Yi said that Russia's rational security concerns should be taken seriously, adding that regional security cannot be ensured via strengthening or even expanding military blocs.

It is worth mentioning that, the US Department of State stressed, on Tuesday that Russia’s renewed aggression against Ukraine would have ‘rapid’, and ‘serious’ consequences.

On Monday, U.S. President Joe Biden held a virtual meeting with key European leaders about the ongoing threat of a Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Moreover, US State Department ordered on Sunday family members of its government employees at the US Embassy in Ukraine to leave the country.

On the other hand, it allowed non-essential employees to leave amid growing fears of the possibility of a Russian invasion, according to what the US State Department announced on Sunday in a statement.

The State Department warned that “US nationals in Ukraine should be aware that any Russian military operation, anywhere in Ukraine, would seriously affect the ability of the US Embassy to provide consular services, including assistance to US citizens who are leaving Ukraine.”

The US State Department also advised citizens not to travel to Ukraine due to the possibility of a Russian attack.