US Secretary of State Blinken did not cancel the meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov

This is reported by CNN, referring to representatives of the US State Department. This decision was discussed by American officials throughout the day.

The administration of US President Joe Biden indicated that they intend to closely monitor Moscow's actions and give their answer on Tuesday. Moreover, part of the answer will include a decision on the Geneva meeting.

The day before, we recall, the Kremlin denied plans to prepare for a summit between Vladimir Putin and US President Joe Biden. At the same time, Putin and French President Emmanuel Macron held two telephone conversations on the crisis in Ukraine in a day.

Recall that today Washington announced sanctions against Russia due to Moscow's recognition of the LPR and DPR.

Russian President Vladimir Putin signed the document recognizing the independence of both republics the night before after the meeting of the Security Council. After that, the permanent representatives of the European Union announced the beginning of the procedure for preparing targeted sanctions against Moscow on February 22, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that the country would remain within "internationally recognized borders."

Today it became known about the entry of Russian troops into the territory of Donbass.