Blinken says US is concerned Russia may be ‘attempting to rehash’ 2014 invasion of Ukraine
“We’re involved by experiences of surprising Russian army exercise,” Blinken mentioned in an look with Ukrainian Overseas Minister Dmytro Kuleba on the State Division, including that the US is “monitoring very intently” the Russia exercise.
“Our concern is that Russia could make a severe mistake of trying to rehash what it undertook again in 2014, when it amassed forces alongside the border, crossed into sovereign Ukrainian territory and did so claiming falsely that it was provoked,” Blinken mentioned, referring to Russia’s invasion of Crimea. “So the playbook that we have seen up to now was to say some provocation as a rationale for doing what it, what it supposed and deliberate to do. All which is why we’re this very fastidiously.”
He additionally reiterated the US’ dedication to Ukraine’s sovereignty and independence, calling it “ironclad.”
Kuleba mentioned the US and Ukraine shared “components” with one another Wednesday relating to the Russian army actions and expressed gratitude for the US transfer to broaden protection and safety cooperation “to assist Ukraine construct its capability to defend itself and likewise to discourage Russia to demotivate them from taking additional aggressive actions.”
Blinken and Kuleba addressed reporters on the conclusion of a strategic dialogue that led to the signing of a renewed Ukraine-US Strategic Partnership.
“The easiest way to discourage aggressive Russia is to make it clear for the Kremlin that Ukraine is powerful,” Kuleba mentioned. “I’ve repeated on quite a few events that Russian aggression in opposition to Ukraine will finish on the day Ukraine’s positioned as a part of the West is institutionalized and undoubted. Right this moment, we now have made one other necessary step in that course.”
Blinken mentioned the US would proceed to “seek the advice of intently as properly with allies and companions” about Russia’s troop build-up.
“As we clarify, any escalatory or aggressive actions might be of nice concern to america.” He added that the US will proceed to help deescalation within the area and a diplomatic decision to the battle in japanese Ukraine.
A number of US and Ukrainian sources informed CNN that Burns was additionally presupposed to attempt to decide what’s motivating Russia’s actions in his conferences with senior Kremlin safety officers instantly concerned within the army exercise.
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