In the context of negotiations seeking to avoid a military escalation against Ukraine, the American Minister for Foreign Affairs, Anthony Belnkin, said that the United States had provided written responses to Russia's demands for security assurances.

In a statement to journalists, Plinkin added that the response set out a serious diplomatic path forward if Russia so chooses, and a principled and practical assessment of the concerns raised by Russia. Washington was open to dialogue.

In the same vein, Assistant Secretary of State Wendy Sherman said that the United States believes that Russian President Vladimir Putin is ready to use force against Ukraine by mid - February, despite pressure to prevent it.

Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden has said he will study sanctions against his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin directly if Russia invades Ukraine.

Biden added that in the near term some 8,500 American troops had been placed on alert.

The West says Russia has mobilized more than 100,000 troops on Ukraine's borders and is preparing to invade it, while the Kremlin denies the reports.

Moscow has announced comprehensive naval exercises involving more than 140 warships and some 10,000 military personnel to be held between January and February in the Atlantic, Arctic, Pacific and Mediterranean.

Moscow states that the main purpose of these exercises is to improve the capabilities of the naval and air forces to protect Russian interests in the global ocean.