The lack of a severe response to Russia’s aggressive actions against Ukraine threatens global consequences - Blinken
US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken believes the West is forced to react harshly to Russia’s policy towards Ukraine and other countries in the region to avoid negative consequences on a global scale. He accused Russia of violating the fundamental principles of international relations, including its actions against Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova.
Interfax-Ukraine reported it.
Blinken said that even if the United States is concerned about Ukraine's right to independence, there are fundamental principles of international relations that include maintaining peace, security, and conflict prevention.
"If we let these basic principles of international relations be violated, we will open Pandora's box, and this is a threat to the whole world. It will take us back to times of separation, conflict, and even worse, which we have sought to avoid for many years. Therefore, the stakes are higher than the fate of Ukraine, higher than the relations between Europe and Russia, the United States with Russia. This could have global consequences", - he said.
He explained Moscow's current policy towards Ukraine by saying that Russia is "afraid of losing it" because Kyiv is "following the path of reforms and democracy".
Blinken once again warned of the existence of two ways in Russia's relations with the West: diplomacy and the consequences of an invasion of Ukraine. He said the United States and its allies were "committed" to the first way, which was the subject of recent talks with Russia.
Read also: The EU plans to expand sanctions against Russia for the occupation of Crimea - Spiegel
US President Joe Biden and European leaders have discussed "unprecedented sanctions" against Russia, The Mirror reports.
The leaders stressed that diplomatic talks were a priority. But if aggression against Ukraine intensifies, Moscow will suffer serious economic costs. They also agreed that the international community should not take any action that undermines Ukraine's sovereignty.
Biden had a virtual meeting with the leaders of the United Kingdom, Italy, Poland, France, Germany, the European Council, the European Commission and NATO to discuss Ukraine.
"The leaders agreed that in the event of a further Russian invasion of Ukraine, the Allies should take swift punitive measures, including unprecedented sanctions. They decided to continue to coordinate closely with any such response", - the statement said.
A Downing Street spokesperson said the leaders agreed on the importance of international unity in the face of Russia's growing hostility.
"The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Boris Johnson, has emphasized the real human cost of any Russian aggression and the need to take all possible steps to prevent such an outcome", - she said.
What is known
- Meanwhile, the United States placed 8,500 troops on heightened alert. They can be transferred to Europe to strengthen NATO. The Pentagon officials explained they make it clear to Russia that they support their allies.
Follow us on Telegram
