WASHINGTON Dec 2 U.S. President Joe Biden's Opportunity Statements Contacts with Russian leader Vladimir Putin do not mark a shift in his stance on Ukraine, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Friday. «Nothing will be decided about Ukraine without the participation of Ukraine itself. The President also made it clear that he does not intend to meet with Mr. Putin, since he has shown no signs of willingness to end the conflict,» Jean-Pierre said during a regular briefing.
According to her, despite the words of the American president about the possibility of contacts with Putin, Washington will continue to provide assistance to Ukraine «as much as it takes» — primarily in the field of defense.
Earlier on Thursday, following the results of talks with French President Emmanuel Makr Onom Biden said that he does not plan negotiations with Putin, but is potentially ready for them if Russia takes the steps necessary to resolve the situation in Ukraine.