The Pentagon said today that it has assessed Ukraine can win the war against Russia, even if US officials risk protracted conflict. “Of course they can beat this,” Pentagon spokesman John Kirby told a news conference, according to Reuters news agency.
“The proof is literally in the results you see every day… absolutely they can win,” he added. Russian Presidential Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said today that negotiations between Moscow and Kiev are continuing despite accusations by Ukraine of committing war crimes in the city of Bucha. “The work continues. There is still a long way to go,” the Kremlin representative said at a daily press conference. Russian President Vladimir Putin has not given up on taking all of Ukraine, and the war could last “months, even years”, warned NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg today.
“We have to be realistic. The war can last a long time, several months, even years. That’s why we also have to be prepared for a long journey, both in terms of supporting Ukraine and maintaining sanctions and in strengthening our defenses”, declared Stoltenberg, before the start of a meeting of foreign ministers of the Atlantic Alliance.
Without giving a specific timeline, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that Ukraine can “absolutely” win the ongoing war against Russia and praised the “extraordinary resilience” of the Ukrainian people.
Without giving a specific timeline, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that Ukraine can “absolutely” win the ongoing war against Russia.
Blinken made the comments during an interview with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Monday, according to a readout of the call released by the State Department.
“The United States is committed to standing with Ukraine in support of its sovereignty and territorial integrity,” Blinken said. “We will never accept Russia’s occupation and attempted annexation of Crimea.”
During the call, Blinken also stressed the need for Ukraine to implement reforms, including combating corruption. He said that the Biden administration is ready to provide assistance to help Ukraine achieve these goals.
Blinken made the remarks during an interview with the BBC on Friday night following a meeting with his European Union (EU) counterparts in Brussels.
When asked if he was convinced that Ukraine would win the war, Blinken said: “Over time, absolutely. I can’t tell you how long this will go on. I can’t tell you how long it will take. But the idea that Russia can subjugate to its will 45 million people who are ardently fighting for their future and their freedom, that does not involve Russia having its thumb on Ukraine, that tells you a lot.”
Despite his optimism, the Secretary of State also expressed concerns over further escalation of the ongoing situation.
“It’s something we care about and are focused on because the only thing worse than a war.
which is contained to Ukraine is one that escalates even further and goes beyond it,” he told the BBC.
He warned that Russian forces were using “increasingly brutal” methods against civilians in Ukraine, and that there had been tremendous human suffering as a result.
“We’re seeing Russia go after critical infrastructure that’s denying Ukrainians water, denying them electricity, denying them heat,” he said.
“Those methods are, unfortunately, tragically, part of the Russian playbook under President (Vladimir) Putin. And I think we’re likely to see more of that.”
Asked if the US would seek a change in Moscow’s leadership to bring an end to the invasion, he replied: “We don’t seek that, and in any event it’s not up to us. The Russian people need to decide their leadership.
“What I would say to the Russian people is: How in the world is this war of aggression… advancing your interests, your needs?”
Since Russia’s invasion began on February 24, Ukrainian forces have continued with a stiff resistance against Moscow’s advances.
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