US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has accused Russia of spreading false information to justify its military activities near the border with Ukraine.

Blinken spoke to reporters on Friday ahead of a series of talks about the Ukraine situation that will take place next week between Russia, the United States, and European nations.

Russia has deployed a large number of troops near the border with Ukraine. The US and European countries are calling on Russia to withdraw them. Russia is demanding a guarantee that the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, or NATO, will not expand further.

Blinken pointed to Moscow's claims that NATO plans to station military infrastructure in Ukraine to stir conflict with Russia, and that NATO has broken its promises not to admit countries in Eastern Europe. Blinken said each of those claims is false.

He said Russia is using the same approach as the one it took when it invaded Ukraine in 2014, and warned that it will face tougher economic penalties if it continues its aggressive behavior.

Blinken said Russia must decide whether it wants to resolve the issue through dialogue or face sanctions. He said, "We will see what results, what path Russia chooses."