[이데일리 방성훈 기자] U.S. Secretary of State Tony Blincoln expressed that Ukraine would voluntarily give up its membership in NATO in the course of peace negotiations with Russia and would respect it even if it was in a situation where it was not an ally of the United States.
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According to Reuters and the Washington Post (WP) on the 26th (local time), Secretary Blincoln appeared at a hearing on the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee’s budget for fiscal year 2023 on the same day, saying, “Whether or not to join NATO depends on their decision.” “The US government is permissive in being a neutral’ and ‘non-aligned’ country.”
In response to Republican Senator Rand Paul’s allegation that the US supported Ukraine’s accession to NATO and contributed to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, “(This) war has nothing to do with Ukraine becoming a member of NATO.” do,” he countered.
“Russian President Vladimir Putin has been thinking that Ukraine does not have the right to be an independent sovereign state and should be returned to Russia,” he said. (It is very clear that this is the cause of the war).”
However, “the discussion between President Zelensky and the Russians includes the agenda of not forming an alliance or adopting a neutral stance. So, that[NATO membership]problem is part of[the cause of the war],” he explained.
“If Ukraine wants to negotiate[with Russia]the United States is willing to actively help,” Blincoln said. Ultimately, the goal is to ensure that Ukraine not only has the power to confront Russia as a sovereign and independent country, but also sits face to face at the negotiating table.” “But there are no signs that Putin is serious about negotiations,” he said.
Blincoln described the current relationship between the United States and Ukraine as “largely aligned”. This will allow the U.S. to provide Ukraine with the military equipment it deems necessary to counter a Russian invasion, he said.
“When I visited Kiiu, Ukraine with Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on the 24th, I had discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky,” he said. said.
In addition, regarding China’s response to the Russian invasion, he said, “There is growing deep skepticism in Europe.”
“China is supporting Russia in a more practical way. This is something we are looking at very carefully. However, for now, we do not see significant support from China in relation to Russia’s military action,” he added.
