German chancellor heads to Kyiv, Moscow as Europe and Ukraine strive to head off Russian invasion
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is heading to Kyiv on Monday and Moscow on Tuesday to speak with the leaders of Ukraine and Russia, in the latest effort to prevent or at least delay a Russian invasion. Russia, which has an estimated 130,000 troops and naval vessels surrounding Ukraine, ostensibly for military exercises, says it has no plans to invade Ukraine again. But the U.S. says Russian President Vladimir Putin could order bombers and missiles to strike any day now, possibly Wednesday.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is trying to calm panic inside Ukraine, even as his approval falls as the Russian pressure rises. "Russian attack helicopters were spotted buzzing within miles of his country's borders on Sunday," The New York Times reports. "Allies evacuated their embassies, airlines canceled flights, and a large number of private jets departed from the capital," suggesting an exodus of Ukraine's elites.
President Biden and Zelensky spoke by phone on Sunday, a day after Biden and Putin held an inconclusive phone call. The U.S. said it reiterated to Ukraine that Russia will face severe economic consequences if it invades, and Kiev said Zelensky invited Biden to visit Kyiv, saying such a visit would send "a powerful signal" and "contribute to de-escalation" with Russia. "The United States has already ordered most American diplomats to leave, making a presidential visit unlikely," the Times notes.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
![https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/jacafc5zvs1692883516.jpg](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/jacafc5zvs1692883516-320-80.jpg)
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Zelensky also thanked Biden for U.S. support, including airlifting in munitions. "We hope that, among other things, it will help prevent the spread of panic," he said.
Scholz's visit is meant to "pacify national leaders angry at Berlin's refusal to supply defensive weapons and take a more explicit line on sanctions against Russia," Politico Europe reports. "German officials have sought to lower expectations" of a deal and said Scholz's "main goal is to keep Russia engaged in international peace talks." French President Emmanuel Macron made similar trips to Kyiv and Moscow last week, with little concrete fruit for his effort.
Ukraine is also demanding a meeting in the next 48 hours with Russia and other members of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), saying Moscow had not met its Sunday deadline to explain why it has amassed 130,000 troops around Ukraine's borders. Russia is a signatory to the OSCE's Vienna Document, where any member can question another about perceived military threats.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.
-
Red Speedo: a 'darkly comic' doping drama
The Week Recommends Lucas Hnath's play stars Finn Cole as a 'reptilian' swimmer determined to win at all costs
By Irenie Forshaw, The Week UK Published
-
One Aldwych: where London's creative spirit takes centre stage
The Week Recommends This five-star Covent Garden hotel is the epitome of elegant independence
By Julia O'Driscoll, The Week UK Published
-
Charlotte Dujardin and equestrianism's dark side
In the Spotlight Olympic gold medallist and dressage star's suspension over horse whipping brings abuse in horse sports back into the spotlight
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Ukraine's stolen children
Under the Radar Officially 20,000 children have been detained since Russia's invasion in 2022, but the true number is likely to be far higher
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Will Russian advance in Kharkiv prove decisive in Ukraine war?
Today's Big Question Recent gains in northeast could be 'a momentary setback' or a 'turning point', as Kyiv counts the cost of US delay
By Elliott Goat, The Week UK Published
-
Is Russia jamming GPS in the Baltics?
Under The Radar Satellite location signals are vital for aviation safety but they are 'vulnerable to blocking or distortion'
By Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week UK Published
-
Aid to Ukraine: too little, too late?
Talking Point House of Representatives finally 'met the moment' but some say it came too late
By The Week UK Published
-
How would we know if World War Three had started?
Today's Big Question With conflicts in Ukraine, Middle East, Africa and Asia-Pacific, the 'spark' that could ignite all-out war 'already exists'
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Will Iran attack hinder support for Ukraine?
Today's Big Question Pro-Kyiv allies cry 'hypocrisy' and 'double standards' even as the US readies new support package
By Elliott Goat, The Week UK Published
-
The issue of women and conscription
Under the radar Ukraine military adviser hints at widening draft to women, as other countries weigh defence options amid global insecurity
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Why is Ukraine backing far-right militias in Russia?
Today's Big Question The role of the fighters is a 'double-edged sword' for Kyiv, say commentators
By The Week UK Published