Russia will meet with the United States in Geneva on Monday to discuss the unusual build-up of troops along the Ukrainian border. Washington has already stepped up pressure on Russia, warning that an invasion of Ukraine would see Moscow hit with unprecedented sanctions. Speaking ahead of the talks, Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said: “We need to be prepared for the possibility that the talks break down and that diplomacy will fail. And that’s exactly why we are sending a very clear message to Russia that if they once again decide to use military force against a neighbor, then there will be severe consequences, a high price to pay. - economic sanctions, financial sanctions, political sanctions.” But Maria Zakharova, the spokeswoman for the Russian foreign ministry, lashed out at the renewed threat and accused the West of "trying to break our spirit”.

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