If diplomacy fails with Russia, we all lose. Biden must not abandon talks

Hawks in DC are calling for more US involvement in Ukraine. But that would increase the risk of direct US-Russia conflict, writes Christopher S Chivvis

A Ukrainian soldier smokes in a trench at the line of separation from pro-Russian rebels in the Donetsk region last week. Picture: Andriy Dubchak/AP

JOE BIDEN came to office aiming to focus his foreign policy on the needs of the US middle class. Ending the pandemic, rejuvenating the nation, addressing climate change, and competing with China were top priorities. Russia was not.

After an initial series of measures designed to punish Vladimir Putin for his chemical weapons attack on Alexei Navalny, cyber-espionage, and meddling in US domestic politics, policymakers opted to pursue stability and predictability in the US-Russia relationship.