Blinken: This war has shredded Russia's international reputation

The war against Ukraine that Russian President Vladimir Putin started a year ago has shredded Russia's international reputation and left Russia weakened and isolated.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said this in a statement published on the website of the U.S. Embassy in Ukraine, Ukrinform reports.

Blinken noted that today marks one year since President Putin ordered a full-scale invasion of Ukraine "following months of deceit about why Russia had amassed huge numbers of soldiers on Ukraine's border."

"President Putin's decision has ripped apart families, forced millions from their communities, destroyed homes, schools, hospitals, and other civilian infrastructure, exacerbated a global food crisis, destabilized energy markets, and undermined international peace and security. This war has shredded Russia's international reputation, left Russia weakened and isolated, and decimated its economy," he said.

In this context, he quoted President Joe Biden as saying in Kyiv this week: "One year later, Kyiv stands and Ukraine stands."

Blinken noted that Ukraine's indomitable will has rallied the world to its cause, with people of conscience around the globe united behind Ukraine, and with repeated calls from the halls of the UN for Russia to end its war of choice.

"President Putin started this illegal war, and he has the power to end it. The United States stands strongly with Ukraine as it defends itself, and we will continue to do so until Ukraine's sovereignty is respected and the people of Ukraine can shape their chosen, democratic future in freedom and peace," Blinken said.