text: nFocus: Ukraine-Russia UpdateThe much-anticipated phone call between President Biden and Russia’s Vladimir Putin did not result in any substantial change or progress. Both leaders called for de-escalation; Biden with regard to Russian troop movements and Putin with NATO troop movements. Either side did not provide exact details of the call, but National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said the President gave Russia an off-ramp. Russia continues to demand security agreements, preventing Ukraine from joining NATO in the future. Based on the readouts and press statements by either side, tensions do not appear to be calming, and continued Russian intransigence is likely leading to conflict. NSA Sullivan further explained the Baltics, Romania, and Poland were likely to send troops to Ukraine in the event of invasion. That potential response is how the U.S. and NATO get drawn into the conflict very quickly.Recent Russian battle preparations include sustainment and medical assets arriving in Ukraine’s border regions, renewed communications array traffic, and a potential simultaneous invasion from Belarus.A Russian “flying hospital” moved from the Central Military District (Moscow) to Rostov-on-Don, well within the so-called “golden hour” for many combat casualties. The aircraft likely delivered not only medical supplies and personnel but could serve as a staging area for hospital operations and evacuations. This indicates Russia is prepared to take and treat casualties, something not seen as a component of recent military exercises.