John Irish and Dmitry Antonov

MOSCOW/PARIS (Reuters – Russia has warned that imposing sanctions upon President Vladimir Putin will not harm him, but be “politically destructive”. This warning came after U.S. President Joe Biden indicated that he could consider such a move if Russia invades Ukraine.

Biden indicated Tuesday that, although it was a rare gesture, personal sanctions against Putin could be considered part of a coordinated effort by the United States, its allies, and Moscow to convince Moscow any aggression against Ukraine would result in rapid and severe consequences.

Dmitry Peskov (Kremlin spokeswoman) stated that U.S. Sens. and congressmen discussing sanctions on Russia’s leaders did not know that assets, properties and bank accounts in foreign countries are illegal.

Peskov said that any individual sanctions against Putin will be “not painful but) politically destructive”. He has stated previously that they could lead to the severening of diplomatic relations.

Russia conducted new drills in the sea, land, and air as four nations began talks in Paris. It also moved fighter jets and paratroopers to Belarus and north Ukraine for what it calls joint exercises next month.

Ukraine claims Russia is trying to create panic. Russia has deployed tens to thousands of troops close to its borders, but denies plans to invade. Dmytro Kunleba, Foreign Minister of Russia, stated that Moscow hadn’t yet assembled sufficient force for large-scale military operations but it would soon.

Eight years ago, Russia took Crimea from Ukraine and supported separatist fighters there. The former Soviet republic is now the focal point in the potentially most deadly East-West conflict since the Cold War.

Russia claims that the U.S. and NATO actions are causing the current crisis and has demanded security guarantees from West Europe, such as a guarantee by NATO not to accept Ukraine. Moscow views Ukraine as a buffer for Russia and NATO.

Western allies have threatened economic sanctions against Russia if it attacks Ukraine, and the United States has been talking to major energy-producing countries and companies around the world over a potential diversion of supplies to Europe https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/us-talks-with-energy-producers-supply-europe-if-russia-invades-ukraine-2022-01-25 if Russia invades Ukraine.

Russia supplies around three quarters of all EU gas imports. Any interruptions to its Russian imports would exacerbate an existing energy crisis https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/could-more-lng-supplies-get-europe-event-crisis-2022-01-25 caused by shortages.

NORMANDY TALKS

Paris: French, German, Russia, and Ukraine officials began discussions on the Donbass war, in which around 15,000 people were killed between 2014-2014.

Andriy Yermak is the Chief of Staff to Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zeleskiy. He called the talks “a strong sign towards achieving peace for eastern Ukraine”.

However, he stated that there were major ceasefire violations and denied the possibility of speaking directly with the separatists.

European leaders consider the “Normandy format”, four-way talks that have not been held in six months essential to maintaining relevance in the wider dialogue with Moscow, while NATO and the United States hold their own crisis negotiations.

French officials stated that they hope for some positive developments that will help in the larger efforts to ease tensions.

According to a French president, the goal was to establish a date to discuss humanitarian measures and release of prisoners. This would lead to discussions on the future for the Donbass. He said that the truth was they would use Paris to decide if Russia is serious.

“Either Putin wants maximum tension with us which will make it extremely difficult to advance in the Normandy discussions, or he believes that it is useful to use this format for reducing tensions in these great periods of volatility.”

Interfax reported that the Russian defense ministry stated Wednesday that a paratrooper team was deployed to Belarus. This came a day after it moved in artillery troops and marines ahead joint exercises.

According to the Russian statement, Su-35 fighter planes were also being moved by Russia to Belarus in preparation for “Allied Resolve” exercises.

A new front is created by the Russian buildup in Belarus of Russian forces, an old Soviet republic north Ukraine and close Russian ally.

According to RIA, more than 20 Russian ships were involved in exercises at the Black Sea south of Ukraine.

According to the Defence Ministry, separate Russian artillery troops in the south Rostov that border Ukraine would practice firing Wednesday during combat readiness inspections of the Southern Military District.