Blinken: US knows Russia engages in other tactics other than sending soldiers to Ukraine

Russian President, Blinken said, should choose between “the preferred route of diplomacy and dialogue” or the Russian “aggression and the mass consequences”. He said the US, NATO and Europe stand ready to deal with any event.

“We have been very clear that if there is any further Russian aggression in the direction of sending Russian forces to Ukraine, there will be a quick, harsh and united response from the United States and Europe,” Blinken told Face the Nation of CBS, echoing the message he said he gave to Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in talks in Geneva last week.

We have been just as clear that Russia engages in other tactics besides sending forces to Ukraine, or other countries, hybrid actions, cyber attacks, attempts to overthrow the government. There, too, I am confident, given the many consultations I have had with European allies and partners that there will be a quick and united response. ”

Blinken did not show whether this response involves American forces' engagement, but told CNN that the alliance was looking at the very practical and important “measures, including military options.

A thing that we have been clear about, in addition to the massive economic and financial consequences that would happen to Russia if it makes further aggression against Ukraine, is the continued construction of defence capacities in Ukraine and, in the same way, continued growth. NATO protection skills, including on the so-called east wing, countries near Russia,” writes Theguardian.

With about 125 thousand Russian troops on or near the Ukrainian border, Western allies have tried to strengthen military assets in the region. About 90 tonnes of American equipment arrived in Ukraine this weekend, part of a $200m aid package approved by Joe Biden last month. While the United Kingdom has sent antitank weapons and personnel to help train Ukraine's forces.