As part of de-escalation talks, Russia has demanded that NATO deny membership to Ukraine, along with a reduction of NATO troops and weapons in former Soviet bloc countries. Last week, the Biden administration announced it will be providing an additional $200 million US in military aid, with the third shipment landing in Ukraine on Tuesday. Biden has also indicated that along with tough economic sanctions on Russia, he would be prepared to impose sanctions on Putin personally in the event of an invasion. The Biden administration has been working under the "provocation premise," said Bowman, refusing to provide adequate weaponry to Ukraine out of fear it may provoke the Russians to action. WATCH | NATO troops on alert for possible Russian invasion of Ukraine:NATO troops on alert for possible Russian invasion of Ukraine Duration 2:28 Thousands of NATO troops have been put on heightened alert as tensions between Russia and Ukraine escalate.

Source: CBC News January 27, 2022 01:57 UTC