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Selenskyj (left) and Blinken in Kiev
Photo: Alex Brandon/AP
Antony Blinken has repeatedly made serious accusations against Russia in the Ukraine conflict. "Moscow has systematically tried to weaken Ukraine's democratic institutions and divide Ukrainian society," the US Secretary of State said on Wednesday after a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Blinken's counterpart Dmytro Kuleba. Russia currently has around 100,000 soldiers on the Ukrainian border, said Blinken. That number could double in a relatively short period of time, he warned.
Blinken stressed that his visit was intended to show the United States' "unwavering support" for Ukraine. Ukraine's democracy, its fundamental right to exist as a sovereign, independent nation, faces an unprecedented challenge from Russia. “We have made it clear that we prefer a diplomatic route to defusing the conflict with Russia. That's the responsible way," emphasized Blinken. Addressing Ukraine, he said: "Don't let Moscow divide you."
Blinken again threatened Russia with “massive consequences” in the conflict with Ukraine.
"I hope it doesn't come to that, but if it does, we will crack down in a coordinated manner to impose these consequences on Russia," he said.
These would be sanctions that would have financial, economic and export control components.
The US Secretary of State also pledged continued support for Ukraine should Russia invade the country.
Then "additional material" will be made available.
"We have provided more security assistance to Ukraine over the past year than at any time since 2014," Blinken said.
"We continue to strengthen Ukraine's ability to defend itself."
The aim is also in the future to make it clear to Moscow what costs the USA and Europe would impose on Russia if the country rejected the diplomatic route.
Zelenskyj offers to participate in the NATO summit
Meanwhile, Zelenskyi offered that Ukraine could attend the next NATO summit in June.
He spoke to Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg on Wednesday, Zelensky said on Twitter.
It was also about the preparations for the meeting of the heads of state and government of the alliance.
Ukraine's participation is possible, and NATO's open-door policy remains unchanged, the president wrote.
He and Stoltenberg also agree that further diplomatic efforts are needed to guarantee security in Europe.
Ukraine's possible NATO membership is at the center of the West's tensions with Russia.
Moscow demands that NATO exclude Ukraine from joining the alliance.
The Alliance rejects such a commitment, citing states' right to self-determination.
as/Reuters/dpa
