Washington. January 25. INTERFAX - US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken believes that the West is forced to react harshly to Russia's policy towards Ukraine and other countries in the region in order to avoid negative consequences on a global scale.
He accused Russia of violating the "fundamental principles of international relations," citing Moscow's actions against Ukraine, Georgia, and Moldova as an example.
Blinken said that "even if we put aside our concerns regarding Ukraine, its right to independence (...), there are fundamental principles of international relations" that provide for the preservation of peace, security, conflict prevention.
"If we allow these basic principles of international relations to be violated, we will open a Pandora's box, and this will become a threat to the whole world. This will take us back to the times of separation, conflicts and even something worse, which we have been trying to avoid for many years. Therefore, the stakes are higher than the fate of Ukraine, higher than the relations of Europe with Russia, the United States with Russia. This could have global consequences," he stressed.
He explained Moscow's current policy towards Ukraine by saying that Russia is "afraid of losing it forever," since Kiev "follows the path of reforms and democracy."
Blinken once again warned about the existence of "two paths" in Russia's relations with the West: diplomacy and "consequences in the event of an invasion of Ukraine."
He said that the United States and its allies are "committed" to the former, which is what the recent talks with Russia were dedicated to.
The Secretary of State recalled that this week Washington, as well as NATO, should give answers to the concerns expressed by Russia.
