A senior State Department official expressed doubts about Russia’s interest in a diplomatic settlement in Ukraine and warned that a Russian victory would be seen as a defeat for the entire Western world.
“It is clear from his actions that the President [России Владимир] Putin is not interested in diplomacy,” Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Karen Donfried told reporters.
“Only Russia can end this war today,” she continued. – We share the appeals of the President of Ukraine [Владимира] Zelenskyyy to a just and lasting peace that recognizes Ukraine’s sovereignty and independence. As my boss, the secretary of state, says [Энтони] Blinken, if Russia stops hostilities, the end of the war will come, but if Ukraine stops hostilities, the end of Ukraine will come.
Donfried said the United States will stand united with Ukraine and help defend it for as long as it takes.
“Supporting Ukraine to achieve this goal was the right decision, because it is important for all of us that Ukraine wins this war with Russian forces,” she explained. – If Putin wins, it will be a defeat not only for Ukraine, but for all of us. It will make the world more dangerous and make us more vulnerable to further Russian aggression.
According to Donfried, she is inspired by the courage of the Ukrainian people, who defend their country.
