US says Russia creates excuses to invade Ukraine 1:08
(CNN) --
Russia has plans to further increase its military forces on the Ukrainian borders, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Wednesday in remarks to staff at the US Embassy in Kiev.
"We know that there are plans to increase that force even more in a very short time," Blinken said of the massive troop buildup near Ukraine's borders.
"And that gives President Putin the ability also in a very short time to take more aggressive action against Ukraine and that, of course, has gotten not only our attention, but it's gotten the attention of virtually all of our allies and partners and not only in Europe, even beyond".
"This is a critical time for Ukraine," Blinken told a crowd of about 60 people, speaking alongside Chargé d'Affaires Kristina Kvien.
Secretary of State Anthony Blinken will meet with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Geneva
Blinken warned Russia that there are two ways out of this situation.
"There is the path of diplomacy and dialogue to try to resolve the differences that exist peacefully through diplomacy," he said.
"Clearly it is the preferable path, clearly it is the most responsible path and the one we would prefer, but there is also the path if Russia chooses to renew aggression, of conflict, confrontation and consequences for Russia."
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Blinken said that President Joe Biden had asked his team to "take stock" of the situation after intense negotiations with allies, but also talks with Russia, and to "reaffirm" the US commitment to Ukraine.
"I strongly hope that we can keep this on a diplomatic and peaceful track, but ultimately that is going to be President Putin's decision," he concluded.
CNN's Jennifer Hansler contributed to this report.
Joe BidenUkraineVladimir Putin