The U.S. State Department’s political affairs officer has talked to Russian President Vladimir Putin about the possibility of lifting sanctions in exchange for an end to the war and aid in Ukraine’s reconstruction.
“If he[Putin]ends this war, he helps Ukraine rebuild and reestablish peace, he will protect sovereignty, territorial integrity and If the right to exist is acknowledged, the sanctions will end,” he said.
The Joe Biden administration imposed sanctions on Russian banks on the 21st of last month after Russia unilaterally recognized the independence of Donetsk and Luhansk in eastern Ukraine. However, Russia eventually began its invasion on the 24th, and the West is steadily adding sanctions, including direct sanctions against Putin.
“It was President Putin who made Russia out of bullying on the international stage,” Newland said. In addition, he mentioned a resolution condemning the UN Emergency Special Session, saying, “141 countries have condemned Russia’s aggression.” “Putin can end this situation. He can withdraw troops from Ukraine and Donbass.”
The possibility of dialogue between the US and Russia was also discussed. “We are still ready to talk to Russia,” Newland said. “President Putin must end this war,” he said.
“When we sit down at the table, Russia must be willing to tell the truth,” Newland said. Russia is cracking down on its media over the invasion of Ukraine, and has consistently made allegations that Ukraine is provoking Russia to attack civilians.
“In all our meetings, Russia has said that it will never invade Ukraine,” Newland said. did.
To the question that compared the Russian invasion and joint sanctions by the West to the ‘beginning of the Second Cold War’, he said, “No one wants a new Cold War.” “If Russia does not leave Ukraine after ending this war, it will be isolated on a ‘small island’ with a group of its countries,” he said.
“While Russia suffers complete economic and technological isolation from the rest of the world due to its crimes in Ukraine, our 141 countries will further build a prosperous future,” Newland said.
He also nailed it, saying, “We will not allow Russia to make NATO decisions,” regarding the ban on NATO expansion, which Russia has been insisting on. “NATO is a defensive ally,” he said. “We don’t attack unless we are attacked.”
“All of these things were made by President Putin, and they are not really about NATO. It’s about his aspirations to reunite Ukraine into Russia and rebuild the Soviet Union.” Instead, he started a war.”
“Ukraine poses no threat to Russia, and NATO poses no threat to Russia,” Newland said. “It is Putin who has to create the illusion of a threat.”
[워싱턴=뉴시스]