Biden discusses Russia's military build-up with Bucharest Nine

10.12.2021 10:38

Ukrinform

U.S. President Joe Biden has spoken to representatives of the Bucharest Nine (B9) group of eastern flank NATO Allies to discuss Russia's destabilizing military build-up along Ukraine's border.

That's according to a press release published on the White House's website.

Joining the call with Biden were the presidents of Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Poland, Hungary, Romania and Bulgaria, as well as the prime ministers of the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

Speaking to the leaders, Biden underscored the United States' commitment to Transatlantic security and its sacred commitment to NATO's Article 5.

"The leaders discussed Russia's destabilizing military buildup along Ukraine's border and the need for a united, ready, and resolute NATO stance for the collective defense of Allies. President Biden stressed the U.S. commitment to continued close consultation and coordination with all our Transatlantic Allies and partners as we work towards de-escalation of the current crisis through deterrence, defense, and dialogue," the statement said.

U.S. President Joe Biden called Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on December 9 to discuss the results of his December 7 video call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, formats for resolving the conflict in eastern Ukraine, and reform in Ukraine.