Utvecklingen i Ukraina och risken för väpnad konflikt i regionen tog en ny vändning sent på onsdagen. USA:s utrikesminister Antony Blinken meddelade att svar överlämnats till ryska utrikesdepartementet och kollegan Sergej Lavrov. 

I en direktsänd presskonferens sade Blinken att han ska tala med Lavrov de närmaste dagarna, och att han hoppas på ”allvarliga diplomatiska försök” att lösa konflikten. 

But we make it clear that we have basic principles that we are prepared to preserve and defend.

This includes Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial independence, and the right of a state to choose its own security arrangements and alliances. 

The question is whether the letter is a sufficient answer for Russia in the tough negotiating game over Ukraine. 

Military readiness 

At the same time, Blinken stated that the United States has increased the preparedness of 8,500 American soldiers. 

We have laid out a possible diplomatic route, Blinken said, adding that they also showed what serious consequences a military conflict would have for Russia. 

The message from Washington came after Moscow and Foreign Minister Lavrov reiterated that the demand for a written answer about, among other things, NATO's future was firm.

Russia wants promises that NATO will not be extended to more countries in the region. 

Immediately after Blinken's appearance, a press conference followed with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, who emphasized the need for greater transparency, resumed diplomatic contacts between NATO and Russia, and direct and open negotiations in which crisis communication is established. 

- But our basic principle of a country's right to decide for itself remains, Stoltenberg said in response to a question from the Russian media. 

And we are prepared for the worst. 

In parallel with the proposals from the United States and NATO, discussions were taking place between Russia and Ukraine in Paris.

However, the meeting ended with a statement from the Ukrainian side that the talks "were not easy", but that it was agreed to meet in two weeks in the German capital Berlin.

France and Germany are also participating in the talks. 

Båda parter stödjer en ”villkorslös vapenvila” i östra Ukraina, meddelade det franska presidentkansliet efter samtalen.