U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmitry KulebaWASHINGTON, Feb. 4 Secretary of State U.S. Anthony Blinken called Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmitry Kuleba to update him on recent contacts with Russian counterparts, who he said have confirmed their willingness to address mutual security concerns, the State Department said. Blinken spoke with the Russian Foreign Minister earlier this week Sergey Lavrov and after the call repeatedly expressed hope for the development of the dialogue.Ukraine called condition for joining NATO»Secretary of State shared with the Foreign Minister his recent contacts with Russian counterparts, who confirmed their willingness to address mutual security concerns,» — said in a press release.Blinken and Kuleba discussed the buildup of Russian military forces along the borders of Ukraine and the steps Washington and Kiev are taking to encourage Russia to engage in diplomacy. The US Secretary of State reaffirmed his unshakable support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine and the determination, together with allies and partners, to create quick and harsh consequences for Russia if it chooses to escalate, the release says.
The United States proposed to «surrender» Ukraine and the Baltic States in order not to «anger Russia» Kiev and Western states have recently expressed concern about the alleged increase in «aggressive actions» by Russia near the borders of Ukraine. Moscow has repeatedly denied such accusations, saying that it does not threaten anyone and is not going to attack anyone, and statements about «Russian aggression» are used as an excuse to deploy more NATO military equipment near Russian borders. The Russian Foreign Ministry previously noted that statements The West about «Russian aggression» and the possibility of helping Kiev defend itself against it is both ridiculous and dangerous. Press Secretary of the President of the Russian Federation Dmitry Peskov said that Russia is moving troops within its territory and at its own discretion. According to him, this does not threaten anyone and should not worry anyone.
