Jake Sullivan Holds Highest-Level US Talks With Russia Since Invasion

The White House says Sullivan told the secretary of the Russian Security Council that the US will keep 'imposing costs' on Russia

On Wednesday, National Security Council Advisor Jake Sullivan held the highest-level US talks with Russia since the invasion of Ukraine started on February 24.

According to the White House, Sullivan spoke with Nikolay Patrushev, the secretary of the Russian Security Council, and reiterated Washington’s “clear opposition” to Moscow’s assault on Ukraine. Sullivan warned the US will “impose more costs” on Russia.

“Mr. Sullivan clearly laid out the United States’ commitment to continue imposing costs on Russia, to support the defense of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and to reinforce NATO’s eastern flank, in continued full coordination with our Allies and partners,” the White House said in a readout of the call.

According to the press service of the Russian Security Council, Patrushev told Sullivan that the US should use its leverage on Ukraine to help achieve a diplomatic solution to end the war.

Russia and Ukraine have been engaged in intense negotiations, and both sides are reporting progress. But the US hasn’t shown any interest in the talks, and there are no signs that the Biden administration is pushing for a diplomatic solution. The White House said that Sullivan told Patrushev that “if Russia is serious about diplomacy, then Moscow should stop attacking Ukrainian cities and towns.”

Patrushev also warned Sullivan against the US providing additional military support for Ukraine.

Author: Dave DeCamp

Dave DeCamp is the news editor of Antiwar.com, follow him on Twitter @decampdave.