US Secretary of State: "No Expectation of Breakthrough on Ukraine Crisis in Talks with Russia"

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] U.S. Secretary of State Tony Blinken drew a clear line by stating that he does not expect a breakthrough in the upcoming talks with Russia regarding the Ukraine border dispute. The Russian side also continues to emphasize its existing demands, such as halting NATO expansion, making bilateral negotiations appear difficult.

On the 9th (local time), Secretary Blinken said in an interview with CNN about the security strategy talks with Russia scheduled for the 10th in Geneva, Switzerland, "I do not expect a diplomatic breakthrough in this meeting," adding, "This meeting will be an opportunity to discuss Russia's concerns related to NATO, and I hope there will be areas where both sides can agree."

As the U.S. and Russia hold firm opposing positions on resolving the Ukraine issue, his remarks are interpreted as a warning against premature optimism about the talks' outcome and as an intention to pressure Russia. Secretary Blinken emphasized, "Russia must choose between dialogue and confrontation," and stated, "The U.S. is prepared to discuss the scale of military exercises in Eastern Europe, but the size of military forces is not the subject."

He also strongly criticized the Russian military's involvement in the recent unrest in Kazakhstan. Secretary Blinken said, "There needs to be a clear explanation from the Kazakhstan government regarding the necessity of inviting Russian-led security forces to resolve domestic unrest," and criticized, "Approving the targeted shooting of anti-government protesters is wrong and must be withdrawn."

Earlier that day, the pre-negotiations between U.S. and Russian delegations held in Geneva, Switzerland, were reportedly tense. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov, who participated in the talks, said, "There is some basis for cautious optimism," but emphasized, "We will not agree to any concessions, and the West must abandon NATO expansion and withdraw existing military facilities."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.