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Speaking alongside Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba at the State Department, Blinken said that the US is “concerned by reports of unusual Russian military activity,” and is “monitoring very closely” the Russia activity.
“Our concern is that Russia may make a serious mistake of attempting to rehash what it undertook back in 2014, when it amassed forces along the border, crossed into sovereign Ukrainian territory and did so claiming falsely that it was provoked,” Blinken said, referring to Russia’s invasion of Crimea. “So the playbook that we’ve seen in the past was to claim some provocation as a rationale for doing what it, what it intended and planned to do. All which is why we’re looking at this very carefully.”
The top US diplomat also reiterated the US’ commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and independence, calling it “ironclad.”
In a post on his Facebook page Wednesday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked the US for its support and for intelligence it had shared about the situation.
“Our Western partners have provided data on the active movement of Russian troops along the Ukrainian border and the increase in their concentration,” he wrote. “Foremost, we are very grateful to our partners for this information. This is a proof of support of Ukraine.”
He echoed Blinken’s remarks about Russia’s playbook, saying that “from [the] Russian side, we hear accusations that it is Ukraine that is delaying the peace process. … I hope now the whole world can clearly see who really wants peace and who is concentrating almost 100,000 troops on our border.”
‘Demotivate them’
Kuleba also said the US and Ukraine shared “elements” with each other Wednesday regarding the Russian military activities. “What we heard and saw today in Washington, DC, corresponds to our own findings and analysis, adds some new elements, which allow us to get a better and more comprehensive picture,” he said.
Blinken and Kuleba addressed reporters at the conclusion of a strategic dialogue…
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Source : cnn
