Blinken vows no concessions on Ukraine in talks with Russia

The United States rules out any concessions on Ukraine's territorial integrity in negotiations with the Russian Federation.

That’s according to U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken who spoke at a number of Sunday TV shows, Ukrinform reports citing a report by The New York Times.

Speaking about the talks on the air of CNN, the top diplomat said "It's also not about making concessions. It's about seeing whether, in the context of dialogue and diplomacy, there are things that both sides, all sides can do to reduce tensions."

He also commented on the possibility of renewing the Treaty on the Elimination of Medium-Range and Short-Range Missiles.

Before withdrawing from the deal in 2019, the United States accused Russia of violating it.

“There may be grounds for renewing that,” Blinken told ABC News.

In addition, the Secretary of State spoke about the possible revision of the scope and scale of exercises – if Russia adheres to this reciprocally, making good on “its commitments which it’s repeatedly violated.”

As Ukrinform reported earlier, in late December, the U.S. State Department confirmed that talks were scheduled to be held with Russia on the situation around Ukraine. In particular, a bilateral dialogue on strategic stability is scheduled for January 10. In addition, a meeting of the NATO-Russia Council is scheduled for January 12, and a discussion within the OSCE – on January 13.

Photo: Ukrainian President’s Office

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