Washington D.C./21.03.23/Turan: The Biden Administration on Monday warned that the world should not be "fooled" by what it described as Russia's tactical moves to freeze the conflict in Ukraine, which China may support, TURAN's Washington correspondent reports.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken stressed during his speech in the Department's briefing room that Chinese President Xi Jinping's meeting with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin after the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for him shows that Beijing does not believe Moscow should be held accountable for invading Ukraine.
“The fundamental element of any plan for ending the war in Ukraine and producing a just and durable peace must be upholding the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, in accordance with the United Nations Charter,” Blinken said. “Any plan that does not prioritize this critical principle is a stalling tactic at best or is merely seeking to facilitate an unjust outcome. That is not constructive diplomacy.”
Washington expects that China may use Xi’s Moscow visit to reiterate calls for a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine.
Per Blinken, if China is truly committed to supporting a ceasefire between the two countries, it should engage in peace talks with Ukraine and its leader, Volodymyr Zelensky, adding Russia has no genuine interest in a peace agreement.
Blinken's speech came he approved new $350 million aid for Ukraine. The latest security package, the 34th drawdown authority, includes more ammunition for U.S.-provided HIMARS and Howitzers. The package also includes ammunition for Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicles, HARM missiles, anti-tank weapons, riverine boats and other equipment.
“Russia alone could end its war today. Until Russia does we will stand united with Ukraine for as long as it takes,” Blinken said in a statement announcing the new package.
Alex Raufoglu
HAPPENING NOW:
— Alex Raufoglu (@ralakbar) March 20, 2023
Blinken says, world ‘should not be fooleed’ by Russia’s efforts to freeze the war on its terms.#StandWithUkraine️ pic.twitter.com/nRsq8bszjt
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