The World Should Not Believe Putin's Words: Statement from the White House

The head of the communications office at the White House, Kate Bedingfield, stated that in light of the announcement regarding the reduction of military activity by Russia in certain areas of Ukraine, the world should look at it with clear eyes and not believe the words of Russian President Vladimir Putin, The Guardian reports.

According to the news outlet, the White House representative emphasized the need to observe whether the actions of the Russians align with their words.

Bedingfield added that U.S. President Joe Biden would be willing to meet with Putin but only if certain guarantees are provided in advance. “I think we need to look at reality with clear eyes; no one should be fooled by the rhetoric coming from the Russian Federation. We believe that any movement of forces around Kyiv is a repositioning rather than a withdrawal, and the world should be prepared for a significant offensive in other areas of Ukraine. It will depend on what President Putin would want to discuss. We are very clear that there needs to be tangible de-escalation from Russia and a clear, sincere commitment to diplomacy before the president has such conversations,” she stated.