Blinken meets NATO allies in Brussels as Russian troops continue their offensive in Ukraine

3 yıl önce

BRUSSELS — Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with NATO allies in Brussels Friday, the first stop on a European tour meant to project Western unity in the face of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

His visit comes as Russian troops seize control of a nuclear plant and continue to encircle Ukrainian cities, spurring a mass exodus that’s seen 1 million people flee in a week.

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At NATO headquarters Friday morning, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg noted the attack on the nuclear plant, saying it “just demonstrates the recklessness of this war and the importance of ending it.”

In Europe, Blinken seeks to telegraph Western unity to Putin

NATO members will discuss next steps in the response, as well as the longer-term strategic implications of President Vladimir Putin’s assault. Stoltenberg stressed that NATO was not party to the Ukraine conflict.

“We don’t seek war or conflict with Russia,” he said. “At the same time, we need to make sure there is no misunderstanding about our commitment to defend and protect our allies,” he said, pointing to recent troop reinforcements in Eastern Europe.

Blinken, speaking alongside Stoltenberg, said that NATO members had come together to bolster the security of member states as the Russian operation unfolds. “Every ally in one way or another is coming to Ukraine’s assistance,” he said. “Every ally in one way or another is helping to strengthen NATO itself.”

After discussions with at NATO, Blinken will meet with senior E.U. officials and attend a meeting of the bloc’s Foreign Affairs Council alongside counterparts from Canada and Britain. Ukraine’s foreign minister will also call in.

From Brussels, America’s top diplomat will travel on to Moldova, Poland, and the Baltic states to express American support for the countries closest to Russia’s military.