Ukraine

"Zelensky positively assesses the fact of the meeting, its constructive nature, as well as the intention to continue meaningful talks in two weeks in Berlin," said the statement on the Ukrainian presidential website. According to the statement, Zelensky emphasized that the sustainable and unconditional ceasefire in Donbas could be a basis for the next steps in the peace process, Xinhua news agency reported.

The naval group, which consists of frigates, patrol ships, missile ships, landing ships, anti-submarine ships and minesweepers, was sailing towards the designated areas, Xinhua news agency reported, citing a statement released by the ministry. On the way to the drills, the Russian vessels will practice communications, safe maneuvers in areas with intensive navigation, and air defence, it added.

Blinken told a press conference that the letter, which was delivered to the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs by the US ambassador to Russia, "sets out a serious diplomatic path forward should Russia choose it", Xinhua news agency reported. The letter, Blinken said, was in response to Russia recently outlining "its concerns and proposals in writing" to the US.

In a brief interaction with mediapersons on Tuesday, Biden said "Yes" when asked if sanctions could be imposed on the Russian President personally if his country invades Ukraine, adding that such a move would mean "enormous consequences worldwide". He also said that the US could commit more military strength in eastern Europe in case of any Russian invasion, but ruled out sending them to Ukraine itself, though military supplies, including anti-tank missiles, have been sent.

Canada has decided to withdraw its diplomats' family members in Ukraine, according to a statement issued by the Canadian Foreign Affairs Ministry. "Due to the ongoing Russian military buildup and destabilising activities in and around Ukraine, we have decided to temporarily withdraw Canadian embassy staff's children under 18 years of age and family members accompanying them," said the statement on Tuesday.

During the video conference on Monday evening, Macron expressed his deep concern about the situation on the borders of Ukraine, and stressed the need to work collectively for a rapid de-escalation, Xinhua news agency reported. The Elysee also announced that Macron will hold talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in the coming days.

"We are watching the actions of the US with great concern," TASS news agency said on Tuesday, citing the spokesman. The US Department of Defense announced on Monday that nearly 8,500 US troops have been put on heightened alert for a possible deployment due to escalating tensions on the Russia-Ukraine border, with no decision on formal deployments.

"We have no intention of putting American forces or NATO forces in Ukraine," Biden told reporters on Tuesday when he was at a store in Washington buying gifts for his wife and grandson, Xinhua news agency reported. "But I said there are going to be serious economic consequences if (Russian President Vladimir Putin) moves" Russian troops into Ukraine.

NATO members are increasing military activities in Eastern Europe amid tensions regarding Ukraine, despite Russia's warning that strengthened presence of the alliance near its borders are a "national security threat". In the past days, Denmark, Spain, France, and the Netherlands have been sending or planning to send ships, planes or troops to NATO's deployments in Eastern Europe, reports Xinhua news agency.

The ships from the Russian Baltic Fleet, forming several tactical groups, will carry out anti-submarine, air defense and mine-sweeping tasks, added the statement on Monday. The drills are being held at a time when the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) is putting forces on standby and sending additional ships and fighter jets to Eastern Europe as tensions in and around Ukraine have escalated, Xinhua news agency reported.