US, UK agree 'crucial window for diplomacy' exists for Russia over Ukraine

US President Joe Biden and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Monday “agreed there remained a crucial window for diplomacy,” but “any further incursion into Ukraine would result in a protracted crisis for Russia.”

The two leaders updated each other about their recent contacts with world leaders during a phone call, according to a statement from British government.

They agreed “there remained a crucial window for diplomacy and for Russia to step back from its threats towards Ukraine.”

Biden and Johnson “emphasised that any further incursion into Ukraine would result in a protracted crisis for Russia, with far reaching damage for both Russia and the world.”

They also “agreed that western allies must remain united in the face of Russian threats, including imposing a significant package of sanctions should Russian aggression escalate.”

The two leaders reiterated the “need for European countries to reduce their dependence on Russian gas, a move which, more than any other, would strike at the heart of Russia’s strategic interests.”