Sullivan Tells Russian Counterpart To “De-escalate”

U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan spoke to Yuri Ushakov, his Russian counterpart, 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,” the White House statement said, reported The Hill. “[Sullivan] 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,” the White House continued. “He also noted that substantive progress can only occur in an environment of de-escalation rather than escalation.”