The United States of America does not currently see any withdrawal of Russian troops from the borders of Ukraine, despite Moscow's claims that it has allegedly already begun. US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken spoke about this in an exclusive interview with ICTV Facts.
According to the head of the US State Department, despite the publication in the Western, including American, media of the “exact dates” of the full-scale attack of the Russian Federation on Ukraine, Washington does not yet know what final decision Russian President Vladimir Putin can make.
At the same time, the United States is sharing with partners the available information from intelligence about possible scenarios for the development of events.
– We do our best to share with our partners the available information from the special services. It is important for us that everyone understands what can happen. We do not know what final decision Putin will make, but we see what they are capable of and what forces they have pulled to the borders.
Therefore, if he wants to start aggression against Ukraine again, you should know that this can happen at any moment . It is important that people understand that although we really want to find a diplomatic solution to the conflict, an attack is also likely, and you should be on your guard, Blinken said.
According to the US Secretary of State, it is important that Russia understands that Washington is closely following its actions and sees what is planned. And the United States shares this information with partners and the world.
Commenting on the appeal of the State Duma of the Russian Federation to Vladimir Putin with a call to “recognize the D/LPR” (occupied territories of Donbass) as independent, Blinken noted that this decision is absolutely contrary to the Minsk agreements .
– And if Putin is serious about Minsk-2, then he should refuse the politicians' request. Therefore, there is nothing to say here. If they make a decision in favor of ORDLO, then they do not support other agreements. This is how it works,” he said.
As for Moscow's statements about the withdrawal of troops, Anthony Blinken stressed that they contradict the real picture . Military exercises near the borders of Ukraine continue, and there are no signs of their completion.
– Let's focus on the facts: what we see and what Russia is doing. Yes, it is possible that diplomatic signals from Moscow have been more positive in recent days. But we spoke with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmitry Kuleba, and he correctly said: let's focus not on what Moscow says, but on what its actions are. Now the situation is as follows: we do not see the withdrawal of troops from the Ukrainian borders, there are no signs that the exercises have ended. Although Russia says otherwise.
And all our attention is riveted to this. But no matter what happens, everyone will breathe a sigh of relief, and the withdrawal of troops would give more chances for diplomacy, the US Secretary of State said.
Blinken clarified: if Russia agrees to a diplomatic solution to the situation, the United States is ready to cooperate. And if the Kremlin chooses the path of aggression, Washington will respond to it.
The head of the State Department recalled that the United States is working to strengthen the Ukrainian army, Ukraine's defense capabilities and economic stability.
– Over the past year, we provided Ukraine with more than $600 million in support, which is many times more than in previous years. Yesterday we announced that we are giving you a $1 billion sovereign loan guarantee to support the economic reform agenda and further cooperation with the International Monetary Fund,” he said.
Commenting on the temporary relocation of the US embassy from Kiev to Lviv, Blinken explained that Washington is guided by security concerns for diplomatic staff .
– As for embassies, I have increased responsibility for diplomatic institutions in the world, as the US Secretary of State. I am responsible for the people working for our state. Therefore, temporarily our embassy will be located in Lviv, but for how long is not yet known . All this is within the framework of security and concern for employees of diplomatic institutions. But they will continue their work, as before, the US Secretary of State assured.
