US Suggests Possibility of Ukraine Joining NATO... "NATO's Door Is Open"

"Russia Must Stop Reckless Attacks"... US Emphasizes Support for Ukraine
"Only Partial Withdrawal of Troops from Russia's Eastern Border"... Appeals for Increased Support

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken reaffirmed strong U.S. support during talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The U.S. government also hinted at the possibility of Ukraine joining the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), which is expected to provoke strong opposition from Russia. Ukraine reportedly appealed for support from the U.S. and Western countries, stating that Russia continues to deploy massive troops along its eastern border.

According to foreign media including the Associated Press on the 6th (local time), Secretary Blinken emphasized at a joint press conference held after the meeting with President Zelensky, "The United States stands firmly by Ukraine," and added, "We hope Russia will cease its reckless and aggressive actions." He also issued a strong warning to Russia, stating, "We understand that Russia has withdrawn some troops from the border with Ukraine, but a significant number still remain."

President Zelensky also stressed, "Russia is still demonstrating its power in the Black Sea and a considerable number of troops remain at the border," adding, "Only 3,000 to 3,500 troops have withdrawn from the Crimean Peninsula." He appealed for support from the U.S. and Western countries and once again requested Secretary Blinken to strongly support Ukraine’s NATO membership. According to Ukrainian and U.S. intelligence agencies, Russia had amassed a large force of 100,000 troops near the border with Ukraine and around the Crimean Peninsula last month, preparing for possible escalation and engagement with Ukraine.

The U.S. government also hinted at the possibility of Ukraine joining NATO. At a press briefing, White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre stated, "Secretary Blinken’s visit to Ukraine today expresses the United States’ support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence," and emphasized, "The door to NATO is always open to countries wishing to join, and the Biden administration will do its utmost to ensure this."

However, it is anticipated that persuading European NATO member states will be a challenge for the U.S. According to AFP, Western European countries remain cold toward Ukraine’s NATO membership, seeking to avoid direct confrontation with Russia. The U.S. is expected to spend time persuading these countries and preparing for Ukraine’s actual accession to NATO.

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