In response to Moscow's recognition of the two separatist zones in eastern Ukraine and the dispatch of troops to them, United States Secretary of State Anthony Plinkin cancelled

a planned meeting with his Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov, in Geneva this week, considering that "the Russian invasion of Ukraine has already begun," and that Putin had revealed his goal of "completely subjugating Ukraine." Despite a "first batch" of sanctions imposed by Biden and his decision to redeploy his forces to Europe to "strengthen," Plinken stressed that his country would remain "fully prepared to engage" in the negotiations.

During a joint press conference with his Ukrainian counterpart Dmytro Koleba in Washington, Plinkin stated, "It is our view that the invasion appeared and that Russia clearly rejected any diplomatic option that makes no sense to meet at the moment."

Plinkin and Lavrov were scheduled to hold talks Thursday in Geneva after agreeing to meet last week in the hope of avoiding a Russian invasion of Ukraine.

In this regard, Plinkin considered that the Russian invasion of Ukraine had already begun, and that Putin had revealed his goal of "subjugating Ukraine entirely," adding that Washington would "always pursue" any possibility of preventing an all - out attack on Ukraine. If Moscow's approach changes, we will stay, and I will remain fully prepared to engage "in talks.

Referring to Moscow's statements that it would send troops to the separatist regions of Donetsk and Lugansk in Ukraine, Plinkin said: "But Moscow must show its seriousness. In the past 24 hours, I have shown exactly the opposite. " Plinkin pointed out that "if Russia continues to escalate, so will we," referring to President Joe Biden's announced sanctions against Russian financial figures and institutions.

Fears of a military escalation in Ukraine, which, according to Washington, draws 150,000 Russian troops, culminated with Putin's recognition of the independence of Lugansak and Donetsk separatists in eastern Ukraine. In a speech 24 hours after Putin's decision, Biden said that the Russian President was "preparing justification for the acquisition of more territory by force."