US administration officials have advised Ukraine president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, to remain in the nation as they’re concerned about Russia mounting an immediate invasion, CNN has reported. 

However, when President Joe Biden was asked about the issue, following his comments on the Russia Ukraine tensions, he noted, “That’s a judgment for him to make”, as per CNN. Further, CNN reported him saying, “I’ve spoken with Zelenskyy a dozen times, maybe more, I don’t know. In the pursuit of a diplomatic solution it may — maybe be the wise choice. But it’s his decision”. 

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Notably, the Ukraine president is slated to be part of the security conference in Munich, attended by US Vice President Kamala Harris and the country’s lawmakers. 

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Ukrainian presidential adviser Mykhailo Podoliak addressed the concerns saying, “diplomatic frontline is just as important today as the frontline in the Donbas”, as per CNN.

They also reported him adding, “A fairly representative delegation from the United States, including Vice President (Kamala) Harris, and many European political actors are also expected to attend. It is quite natural that the Ukrainian authorities should not only be present at the key event of the diplomatic frontline but also participate in the relevant discussions. But our position is simple: The fate of Ukraine should be decided by Ukraine, and not by anyone behind Ukraine’s back. At the moment, the situation in the east of the country is completely under control, and any pauses in work on the diplomatic frontline would be unmotivated”. 

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However, US officials have expressed concern that the Ukrainian president’s absence from the country at this critical time could give rise to the narrative that the leader has fled. There’s also the concern of disrupted air travel if the Russian invasion does occur.

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At present, Zelenskyy is slated to attend the Germany conference. Biden also announced that US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov are scheduled to meet on February 24, in Europe, unless Russia chooses to invade before that.