US Secretary of State Antony Blinken pledges continued support for Ukraine in the war. However, the Crimean question must be solved by the Ukrainians.
WASHINGTON – US Secretary of State Antony Blinken expresses doubts about retaking the territories occupied by Russia. The Ukrainian government had previously said it wanted to liberate all regions, including Crimea. Nevertheless secures in Ukraine conflict continued to give full support, including in the event of a counter-offensive by Ukraine.
US Secretary of State: Crimea issue must be solved by Ukrainians
The Crimean question must be solved by the Ukrainian people. Thus, the decision to liberate the occupied territories lies with the Ukrainians. “Ukraine is a democracy,” Blinken said, according to the newspapers Funk media group and the French newspaper West France. “President Volodymyr Selenskyj has the responsibility to lead the country. But he must also be open to the will of the Ukrainians.”
Together with many other countries, the USA committed to assisting Ukraine in defending its territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence. “This includes a counter-offensive that will probably start in the coming weeks,” said Blinken. Accordingly, the US would do everything in its power to help Ukraine continue to regain territory. In addition, “Ukraine should be supported in building up its medium- and long-term capacities.”
Military action is not the primary goal. “Until Russia changes course, we will ensure that the unprecedented pressure from sanctions and export controls remains in place,” Blinken said. This should deter aggression from Russia. If an act of violence takes place anyway, then the US will defend itself. “It remains to be seen how this will develop in the coming weeks and months.”
Crimea issue: US skeptical about liberation
The US Secretary of State has previously expressed skepticism about the liberation of the territories occupied by Russia. “I believe there are areas in Ukraine where Ukrainians are determined to fight on the ground,” Blinken told a parliamentary committee in Washington. “And maybe there are areas that they decide they want to try to recover in other ways.” (hk)