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CIA Director had rare conversation with Vladimir Putin on a visit to Moscow

CIA Director Bill Burns had a rare conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow last week to convey “serious” US concerns about Russia’s military buildup along the Ukrainian border and to try to understand Russian intentions, two sources told CNN.

Putin’s spokesman also confirmed that there was an argument. “Yes, such a conversation took place over the phone,” Dimitry Peskov told CNN on Monday (8).

CNN reported on Friday that Burns’ visit to the Russian capital came at a time of growing concern among some US officials about the possibility of a major Russian military intervention in Ukraine.

A source told CNN that the US is “seriously concerned” about the Russian movement, adding: “It would be foolish not to consider the possibility of an invasion or incursion.”

When asked about the topics covered during this telephone conversation, Peskov said they were “bilateral relations, the crisis situation in diplomatic practice and an exchange of views on regional conflicts”.

“Of course, cybersecurity issues were also mentioned,” added Peskov.

Assessments of Russia’s motives differ widely within the administration, with some sources telling CNN they believe Russia could be preparing for an invasion, while others suggest the country is conducting an exercise or simply trying to intimidate Ukraine.

And publicly, Ukraine played down the idea that Russia is building its military presence near the border beyond normal levels.

On Tuesday, Ukraine’s Defense Ministry said: “Russia has established a practice of transferring and accumulating military units in order to maintain tension in the region and political pressure on neighboring countries.”

Satellite images taken by Maxar Technologies last week demonstrate the kind of irregular movements of Russian troops and equipment that concern US officials.

The images show Russian troops, tanks and artillery en masse near the town of Yelnya, and the Biden government is more concerned than in the spring that Russia could invest in an invasion, two senior US officials said.

President Joe Biden sent Burns to Moscow on Tuesday in an effort to avoid any kind of escalation, where he met with Kremlin officials to try to stop any plans for an offensive – conveying that the US is closely monitoring the movements of the troops, according to people briefed on their meeting.

Burns also mentioned US concerns that Russia is close to using its gas exports as leverage, with Ukraine and other European nations predicting new energy crises in the winter.

*This article has been translated. Read the original in English

Reference: CNN Brasil

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