US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has said the US is “prepared either way” after the US rejected Russia’s demand to bar Ukraine from joining NATO, amid warnings Russia might invade its neighbor.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken was giving Russia a formal response to its demands to resolve the current crisis. Mr Blinken gave no concessions but said that he was offering Russia “a serious diplomatic path forward, should Russia choose it”.
Russian Foreign minister Sergei Lavrov said President Vladimir Putin would now assess Mr Blinken’s response. While the document – delivered by the US in coordination with the Nato military alliance – does not address Russia’s “main concern” about the alliance’s expansion, Lavrov said it “gives hope for the start of a serious conversation” on secondary issues.
Russia had earlier issued a written list of concerns about NATO expansion and related security issues, which included ruling out the possibility of Ukraine and others ever joining the alliance. The US document will not be made public, as “diplomacy has the best chance to succeed if we provide space for confidential talks,” the Secretary of State noted.
Mr Blinken said the US response made its “core principles” clear, including Ukraine’s sovereignty and its right to choose to be part of security alliances.
“There should be no doubt about our seriousness of purpose when it comes to diplomacy, and we're acting with equal focus and force to bolster Ukraine's defenses and prepare a swift united response to further Russian aggression,“
Blinken said. "It remains up to Russia to decide how to respond," he added. "We're ready either way."
The US sent three shipments of military assistance this week, including Javelin missiles and anti-armor weaponry, as well as ammunition and equipment.
