US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Thursday that the “last thing” Russian President Vladimir Putin needs is an extension of the war in Ukraine, forcing NATO to intervene.
At a panel hosted by The Atlantic magazine, Blinken opined that this was why at various points of the Russian offensive, where warnings were issued, the Allies’ worst fears were not fulfilled.
“There were times when the concern was very high, for example when the Ukrainians counterattacked in the spring and achieved considerable success. There were words from Moscow that it admitted the use of tactical nuclear weapons,” Blinken said. in his speech, on the eve of the first anniversary of the large-scale Russian military invasion.
The United States and other countries, the head of US diplomacy added, spoke directly to their Russian counterparts to express their “absolute opposition” to the use of this type of weapon.
“The last thing Putin needs is a wider war, one involving NATO,” he said.
At the same time, Antony Blinken also indicated that US aid to Ukraine takes into account the need to prevent an escalation of the conflict.
“Our support to Ukraine is critical and we will be with them for as long as necessary. But we don’t want to lead this war and we certainly don’t want to do anything that provokes a wider confrontation,” he said.
In Blinken’s view, Ukraine has somehow already won as Russia failed to erode its initial goal of erasing the country’s identity as independent and sovereign.
The US Secretary of State recalled that Washington already foresaw Russia’s plans and assured that before the invasion of February 24, 2022, Ukraine had “what it takes” to repel that first attack.
Referring to the aid given by the United States to Ukraine, Blinken indicated that not only should provision be made for the supply of weapons, but also how Kiev can use them effectively and integrate them into a coherent battle plan.
“It is not as easy as some people say,” said Blinken, who will need to ensure that Russia is not able to carry out similar maneuvers “in five years’ time” and after the end of the current conflict. to repeat. .
The Russian invasion – justified by the Russian President, Vladimir Putin, with the need to “denazify” and demilitarize Ukraine for Russian security – was condemned by the international community at large, which responded by sending weapons to Ukraine and Russia impose political and economic sanctions.
The Russian military offensive on Ukrainian territory, launched on February 24 last year, plunged Europe into what is considered the most serious security crisis since World War II (1939-1945).
Source: DN
