Progress in diplomatic talks with Russia will be “difficult” if Moscow maintains “the gun in Ukraine’s temple” and does not commit to de-escalating the situation, US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken has warned.
“The real question is whether Russia takes the issue of diplomacy seriously,” he told a news conference in Washington with his German counterpart Alena Berbock.
Talks between the West and Moscow are scheduled for next week.
“It is very difficult to make real progress in all areas in an atmosphere of escalation and threats, with the pistol in Ukraine’s temple,” he added.
Europeans, Americans and Kiev have been accusing Russia for weeks of gathering tens of thousands of troops on the border with Ukraine in the face of a possible invasion. They have repeatedly threatened to impose “unprecedented” sanctions if the Kremlin takes action.
Russia, for its part, is seeking assurances that NATO will not expand eastward, reaching its borders.
The US-Russia talks will begin on Monday in Geneva, followed by a Russia-NATO summit and that of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe.
“There can be no decision on security in Europe without Europe. “It is crucial (…) for partners to be involved in Europe,” said Analena Berbock.
“Nothing will happen in Europe without Europe. “Not only full coordination and consultation, but also Europe ‘s participation,” Blinken promised.
The head of the State Department also reiterated, with greater clarity than in the past, that Germany should block the operation of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline if Russia attacks Ukraine. He explained that this pipeline, which is considered a possible means of pressure from the Russians on Europe, could instead become a lever of pressure from Europe on Russia.
Burbok, who has taken a similar stance in recent weeks but is not necessarily on the same wavelength as German Social Democrat Chancellor Olaf Soltz, responded vaguely, referring to a US-German agreement reached last summer.
The pipeline is ready to operate and transport gas to Europe, Russian President Vladimir Putin assured in December, but Germany has postponed its certification process.
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