Ukraine's pivotal choice: Fight or negotiate with Russia
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasizes that Ukraine faces a choice: continue fighting or start negotiations with Russia.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken noted that Ukraine must decide on the course of action in the war: whether to continue fighting or to enter negotiations with Russia.
- The Ukrainians have to make fundamental decisions about carrying on the fight or looking to negotiate and try to bring this to a ceasefire. The fundamental question is whether Russia is prepared to do that and to do that in good faith - said Blinken.
Blinken emphasized that the U.S. is working to place Ukraine in a favourable position to reach the "strongest possible" agreement by 2025. To this end, he noted, it is necessary to strengthen Ukraine's military position, provide them with funding, ammunition, and support.
- It means continuing to exert maximum pressure on Russia... Everything that Russia tries to do takes longer, costs more and is harder to do. And of course, the losses on the battlefield are extraordinary. Putin keeps throwing these young men [Russian soldiers] into a meat-grinder of his own making - added Blinken.
Long-term success of Ukraine
The U.S. Secretary of State also noted that Ukraine's long-term success depends on guarantees of a ceasefire on just terms. He emphasized that these guarantees must exclude the possibility of a new attack from Russia in the future.
- If we get that, Ukraine is on a path to success - emphasized Blinken.
According to Blinken, Ukraine has already demonstrated its strength as an independent state that could not be erased from the world map, despite all of Russia's attempts.
