The United States does not rule out that Russia does not yet have a firm decision on a possible “invasion” of Ukraine, said the head of the US State Department, Anthony Blinken. He held a press conference after Moscow received Washington’s responses to its proposals for security guarantees.
Speaking about a possible Russian attack on Ukraine, Blinken said that no options for sanctions are excluded. “I can tell you that the steps we take together will quickly, directly affect things that President Putin cares deeply about,” the diplomat said. He explained that he had in mind, in particular, the possibilities of Russia in the sphere of economy and finance, as well as in the spheres of defense and high technologies.
The Secretary of State emphasized that the United States and its allies in Europe intend to defend the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine, as well as its independence.
As for of the response sent to Russia to its initiativesIn this document, Washington, according to Blinken, outlined not only its main principles and causes for concern, but also areas in which both countries can work together, “strengthen security,” if Moscow is serious about it. We are talking, for example, about work in the field of arms control, increasing transparency and reducing the risks of conflicts.
“Therefore, I think there are important things that need to be worked on if Russia is seriously ready to work on them,” the Secretary of State quoted the words of the Secretary of State. “Interfax”.
Blinken also said that US President Joe Biden personally made changes to the document, and then approved the final version of the response to Russian initiatives.
