In Conversations With The US, Russia Downplays The Threat To Ukraine.

After officials from both nations gathered in Geneva for high-stakes negotiations, Russia told the US that it has no plans to invade Ukraine.

Both sides agreed to continue efforts to decrease tensions following a seven-hour meeting on Monday.

Following the talks, however, there was little hint of a substantial breakthrough.

Around 100,000 Russian troops are thought to be near the Ukrainian border, raising concerns of an assault and eliciting warnings from the West.

If Russia attacks Ukraine, the US has stated that sanctions will be imposed.

Meanwhile, Russia has urged the United States not to "underestimate the risks" of its confrontation with the West.

Following the discussion, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov told reporters, "We conveyed to our colleagues that we have no plans, no ambitions to attack Ukraine."

He stated that the Russians had informed their American counterparts that "all steps for combat training of soldiers and forces are carried out within our territory" and that there was "no need to fear any escalation scenario in this regard."

The conversations, according to US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman, were "frank and candid" discussions aimed at better understanding each side's security concerns.