6 minutes agoTensions with Russia: Blinken visits Ukraine on Wednesday
Periskopi(4 years ago)
(4 years ago)US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will visit Ukraine on Wednesday. The visit comes at a time when last week's talks with Moscow have reached a deadlock, as well as amid Washington's concerns, that Russia is preparing to attack Ukraine. The State Department announced today that the American top diplomat will meet with [...]
The State Department announced today that the US top diplomat will meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and Foreign Minister Dimytro Kuleba.
Meanwhile, Secretary Blinken had a telephone conversation today with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. The State Department statement said that Mr. Blinken stressed the importance of continuing a diplomatic path to lower tensions over the rise of Russian military presence on the border with Ukraine.
Secretary Blinken reiterated the US's steadfast commitment to Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity and underlined that any discussion concerning European security should include NATO allies and European partners, including Ukraine.
After the visit to Kiev, Mr. Blinken will travel to Berlin for a meeting with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, who will be followed by a meeting of Transatlantic Four -- a format that includes the United States, Britain, France and Germany.
Blinken will: “-discuss recent diplomatic commitments with Russia and joint efforts to prevent further Russian aggression against Ukraine, including willingness of allies and partners to impose severe economic sanctions on Russia”, the UN statement said.
Meanwhile Monday, a delegation of American lawmakers visited Kiev, evidence of support for Ukraine.
Democrat Senator Amy Klobuchar told the Ukraine Voice Service of America that part of the delegation are Democrats and Republicans with very different political views but supporting Ukraine. She said that if Vladimir Putin makes an unfaithful and anti-democratic choice, attacking Ukraine, he would face severe and immediate sanctions.
For his part, Republican Senator Kevin Cammer said the United States would not stand by if something happened. But he added that Washington is seeking a solution to avoid conflict.
President Joe Biden has warned Moscow that she will face strong economic consequences if she attacks her neighbour. Russia, which has significantly increased its military presence at the border with Ukraine, has denied that it is planning an attack.
