US supports Ukraine against ‘reckless’ Russian moves – Blinken

 

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Thursday Washington could increase security assistance for Ukraine after what he called Russia’s “reckless and aggressive” actions in massing troops near the Ukrainian border.

During a visit to Kyiv, Blinken said Russia had left behind significant quantities of soldiers and equipment despite announcing a withdrawal of its forces from the area after a standoff that alarmed the West.

Blinken also said President Joe Biden was keen to visit Ukraine and meet President Volodymyr Zelenskiy; but gave no details on that, or on Washington’s view of Ukraine’s aspirations to join the NATO military alliance.

“I can tell you, Mr President, that we stand strongly with you, partners do as well. I heard the same thing when I was at NATO a couple of weeks ago and we look to Russia to cease reckless and aggressive actions”, Blinken said, speaking alongside Zelenskiy.

He said Washington was “actively looking at strengthening even further our security cooperation and our security assistance;” but gave no details.

In Washington, White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre, asked about Ukraine said the administration was committed to keeping the door open for countries to join “when they are ready and able to meet the commitments and obligations of membership and can contribute to security in the Euro-Atlantic area.”

Zelenskiy said Russia had withdrawn only about 3,500 of the tens of thousands of troops deployed to the Crimean Peninsula; which it annexed from Ukraine in 2014. “There may be a threat. Nobody wants these surprises,” he said.

Blinken also urged Ukraine to stick to a path of fighting corruption and the influence of oligarchs.

The State Department expressed concern about the firing of a reformist energy official last week.