United States Government has responded to the Russian proposal which outlined its concern over the border crisis between itself and Ukraine, while US’s response sets out a serious diplomatic path forward.
This was stated by the Secretary of State, Antony Blinken at the Press Briefing in Washington on Wednesday, he said the proposed document delivered includes concerns of the US, its allies and partners over Russia’s actions that undermine security.
“A principled and pragmatic evaluation of the concerns that Russia has raised, and our own proposals for areas where we may be able to find common ground. We make clear that there are core principles that we are committed to uphold and defend.
“Including Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and the right of states to choose their own security arrangements and alliances. We’ve addressed the possibility of reciprocal transparency measures regarding force posture in Ukraine.
“As well as measures to increase confidence regarding military exercises and maneuvers in Europe. And we address other areas where we see potential for progress, including arms control related to missiles in Europe, our interest in a follow-on agreement to the New START treaty that covers all nuclear weapons, and ways to increase transparency and stability”.
Blinken added that US has put these ideas forward because they have the potential if negotiated in good faith will enhance American security and that of its allies and partners while also addressing Russia’s stated concerns through reciprocal commitments.
“We’re open to dialogue, we prefer diplomacy, and we’re prepared to move forward where there is the possibility of communication and cooperation if Russia de-escalates its aggression toward Ukraine, stops the inflammatory rhetoric, and approaches discussions about the future of security in Europe in a spirit of reciprocity”.
He further said, US response paper will be shared with Congress. “I’ll be briefing Congressional leaders on this later today and consulting with them on our approach. As you know, there’s strong bipartisan interest and deep expertise on the Hill when it comes to Ukraine and Russia, and we very much appreciate having Congress as a partner as we move forward.
“We’re not releasing the document publicly because we think that diplomacy has the best chance to succeed if we provide space for confidential talks. We hope and expect that Russia will have the same view and will take our proposals seriously.
“There should be no doubt about our seriousness of purpose when it comes to diplomacy, and we’re acting with equal focus and force to bolster Ukraine’s defenses and prepare a swift, united response to further Russian aggression”, he said.
Secretary Blinken noted that three deliveries of U.S. defensive military assistance arrived in Kyiv this week, carrying additional Javelin missiles and other anti-armor systems, 283 tons of ammunition and non-lethal equipment essential to Ukraine’s front-line defenders.
“More deliveries are expected in the days to come. We have provided more defensive security assistance to Ukraine in the past year than in any previous year. Last week, I authorized U.S. allies including Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuaniato provide U.S origin military equipment from their inventories for use by Ukraine.
Regarding American citizens in Ukraine: Earlier last week, he authorized the voluntary departure of a limited number of U.S. employees and ordered the departure of many family members of embassy personnel from Ukraine.
“This was a decision based on one factor only: the safety and security of our colleagues and their families. And given the continued massive build-up of Russian forces on Ukraine’s borders, which has many indications of preparations for an invasion, these steps were the prudent ones to take.
Blinken made it clear that US embassy in Kyiv will remain open, and will continue to maintain a robust presence to provide diplomatic, economic, and security support to Ukraine.
While the State Department has also issued an updated Travel Advisory due to the potential for security conditions to deteriorate rapidly and without warning if Russia invades or commits other destabilizing actions inside Ukraine.
“Our message now for any Americans in Ukraine is to strongly consider leaving using commercial or other privately available transportation options. These options remain readily available. And the embassy may extend loans to those who can’t afford the cost of a commercial ticket.
“While the State Department will always seek to provide consular services wherever possible, Russian military action would severely impact our ability to perform that work. And if Russia invades, civilians including Americans still in Ukraine could be caught in a conflict zone between combatant forces”, Blinken added.
This was stated by the Secretary of State, Antony Blinken at the Press Briefing in Washington on Wednesday, he said the proposed document delivered includes concerns of the US, its allies and partners over Russia’s actions that undermine security.
“A principled and pragmatic evaluation of the concerns that Russia has raised, and our own proposals for areas where we may be able to find common ground. We make clear that there are core principles that we are committed to uphold and defend.
“Including Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and the right of states to choose their own security arrangements and alliances. We’ve addressed the possibility of reciprocal transparency measures regarding force posture in Ukraine.
“As well as measures to increase confidence regarding military exercises and maneuvers in Europe. And we address other areas where we see potential for progress, including arms control related to missiles in Europe, our interest in a follow-on agreement to the New START treaty that covers all nuclear weapons, and ways to increase transparency and stability”.
Blinken added that US has put these ideas forward because they have the potential if negotiated in good faith will enhance American security and that of its allies and partners while also addressing Russia’s stated concerns through reciprocal commitments.
“We’re open to dialogue, we prefer diplomacy, and we’re prepared to move forward where there is the possibility of communication and cooperation if Russia de-escalates its aggression toward Ukraine, stops the inflammatory rhetoric, and approaches discussions about the future of security in Europe in a spirit of reciprocity”.
He further said, US response paper will be shared with Congress. “I’ll be briefing Congressional leaders on this later today and consulting with them on our approach. As you know, there’s strong bipartisan interest and deep expertise on the Hill when it comes to Ukraine and Russia, and we very much appreciate having Congress as a partner as we move forward.
“We’re not releasing the document publicly because we think that diplomacy has the best chance to succeed if we provide space for confidential talks. We hope and expect that Russia will have the same view and will take our proposals seriously.
“There should be no doubt about our seriousness of purpose when it comes to diplomacy, and we’re acting with equal focus and force to bolster Ukraine’s defenses and prepare a swift, united response to further Russian aggression”, he said.
Secretary Blinken noted that three deliveries of U.S. defensive military assistance arrived in Kyiv this week, carrying additional Javelin missiles and other anti-armor systems, 283 tons of ammunition and non-lethal equipment essential to Ukraine’s front-line defenders.
“More deliveries are expected in the days to come. We have provided more defensive security assistance to Ukraine in the past year than in any previous year. Last week, I authorized U.S. allies including Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuaniato provide U.S origin military equipment from their inventories for use by Ukraine.
Regarding American citizens in Ukraine: Earlier last week, he authorized the voluntary departure of a limited number of U.S. employees and ordered the departure of many family members of embassy personnel from Ukraine.
“This was a decision based on one factor only: the safety and security of our colleagues and their families. And given the continued massive build-up of Russian forces on Ukraine’s borders, which has many indications of preparations for an invasion, these steps were the prudent ones to take.
Blinken made it clear that US embassy in Kyiv will remain open, and will continue to maintain a robust presence to provide diplomatic, economic, and security support to Ukraine.
While the State Department has also issued an updated Travel Advisory due to the potential for security conditions to deteriorate rapidly and without warning if Russia invades or commits other destabilizing actions inside Ukraine.
“Our message now for any Americans in Ukraine is to strongly consider leaving using commercial or other privately available transportation options. These options remain readily available. And the embassy may extend loans to those who can’t afford the cost of a commercial ticket.
“While the State Department will always seek to provide consular services wherever possible, Russian military action would severely impact our ability to perform that work. And if Russia invades, civilians including Americans still in Ukraine could be caught in a conflict zone between combatant forces”, Blinken added.
