No indication Putin is prepared to end the war, says Blinken
Russian President Vladimir Putin does not seem to be ready to bring an end to the war in Ukraine via diplomacy, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said during a press briefing on March 17.
“To date, I have to say, on the one hand, we commend Ukraine for being at the table, despite being under bombardment every minute of the day,” said Blinken.
“At the same time, I have not seen any meaningful efforts by Russia to bring this war – that it is perpetrating – to a conclusion through diplomacy.”
According to the secretary, the United States will continue to support Ukraine in its efforts to de-escalate via diplomatic means, establish a ceasefire, and secure a withdrawal of Russian troops from its territory. Blinken also commended similar efforts of other countries, such as France, Germany, Israel, and Turkey.
True diplomacy requires responsible engagement and willingness to de-escalate from both sides – something Russia is clearly lacking for now, according to Blinken.
“And I don’t see signs right now that Putin is prepared to stop,” said the secretary.
“On the contrary, if you listen to, just for example, his most recent remarks yesterday (March 16), that suggests he’s moving in the opposite direction.”
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