Joe Biden told American journalists that he won’t accept any red lines or other terms from Vladimir Putin concerning situation in Ukraine. This is by no means any surprise for two reasons.

First, Putin isn’t in a position to set any terms in talks with the US. Second, nobody will give any guarantees to an actor which disrespects not only international law, but basic rules of decency.

Biden and Putin will hold a telephone call on Tuesday. U.S. intelligence officials, meanwhile, have determined that Russia has massed about 70,000 troops near its border with Ukraine.

Many analysts think that Putin is bluffing, but we are not so sure. Russian President sees Ukraine as a key factor of his historic role. Also, if Washington really chooses not to recognize the results of 2024 elections in Russia, it would be a disaster for Kremlin and turn Putin into Lukashenko.

So, Putin is desperately raising stakes the only way he can. Unfortunately, Russia has no other instruments other than military. Let’s see how Biden handles the situation, the game is on. And it's truly a no-win game for both Russia and Ukraine.