Continuing to arm and strengthen Ukraine is the only way to achieve "true peace", the head of American diplomacy Antony Blinken said on Friday, rejecting any ceasefire unfavorable to Kiev when, according to him, the Russian invasion turned into a "strategic failure" for Moscow.
In a speech in Finland, the Secretary of State argued that a strong Ukraine was a "prerequisite" for "true peace", when a negotiated cessation of hostilities would lead to an illusory "Potemkin peace" and without much tomorrow.
"Precisely because we have no illusions about (Vladimir) Putin's aspirations, we believe that the prerequisite for sensible diplomacy and real peace is a stronger Ukraine, capable of deterring and defending itself in the event of future aggression," Blinken said in Helsinki.
According to Washington, the invasion of Ukraine ordered by Russian President Vladimir Putin is a "textbook case of failure" and even a "strategic failure for Russia".
In one manifestation of the negative consequences for Russia of the war in Ukraine, the hitherto militarily unaligned Nordic country has become a member of NATO, the US-dominated Western military alliance.
"(Putin's) war of aggression was a strategic failure, dramatically diminishing Russia's military, economic and diplomatic might and influence for years to come," Blinken said.
"Considering President Putin's long-term strategic goals and objectives, there is no doubt: Russia's situation is much worse today than it was before the invasion" , he added to the Helsinki town hall filled with American flags.
To emphasize his point, the head of American diplomacy noted the Russian losses on the ground and on the European markets.
"The Kremlin has often claimed that it has the second most powerful army in the world, and many believed it. Today, many people consider the Russian army to be the second most powerful in Ukraine" , he quipped, causing laughter in the audience.
"Where Putin wanted to project strength, he revealed weakness. Where he wanted to divide, he united," insisted the American.
The aim of the American official's speech was to display a clear position of the United States at a time when some might be tempted to call for an armistice or a ceasefire.
A ceasefire on current frontline positions would only "consolidate" Vladimir Putin's control over eastern Ukraine and allow him to "attack again", Blinken argued.
The US minister also denied that the war in Ukraine was distracting the US from its growing rivalry and confrontation with China.
The United States has become more alert to the Chinese "threat" since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, he said.
"Our support for Ukraine has not weakened our abilities to respond to a potential threat from China or elsewhere - it has strengthened them."
His visit marks the major shift in Finland's position in less than five years.
From a "bridge" between the West and Russia as at the summit bringing together Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump, the Nordic country, with its 1,340 kilometer border with Russia, is now the 31st member of NATO and a voice strong against Russian aggression among Europeans.
02/06/2023 19:13:55 - Helsinki (AFP) - © 2023 AFP
