EU warns US about implications of Russian victory in Ukraine
(Baonghean.vn) - Ukraine's defeat to Russia will damage Washington's reputation as a security provider, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell warned during his visit to the US. He added that Kiev is eagerly awaiting the US presidential election.
Mr Borrell spoke to reporters in Washington on March 14, after meeting with senior US officials, including Secretary of State Antony Blinken. He said his message was that Ukraine desperately needed additional support, which was currently blocked in the US House of Representatives.
“The next few months will be decisive. Many analysts predict a major Russian offensive this summer, and Ukraine cannot wait for the results of the next US elections,” said Brussels’ top diplomat. He added that a Russian victory in the conflict “would have a huge impact on the United States and the alliance system built around the United States and Europe.” If that happens, “no country can be sure” that Washington would “come to the aid of any ally” under attack. Since Ukraine is not a NATO member, the United States is not bound by any obligations to defend Kiev. US President Joe Biden has pledged to help Ukraine resist Russia “for as long as it takes” to win. Last year, Ukrainian forces attempted a major counteroffensive using Western-funded heavy weapons but failed to make any significant territorial gains.
Amid Kiev’s battlefield setbacks, the issue of continued aid has become embroiled in US partisan politics. The Republican-controlled House of Representatives blocked Biden’s request for an additional $60 billion in aid, with House Speaker Mike Johnson saying the White House had failed to present a compelling strategy for winning in Ukraine. Borrell pledged continued EU military support for Kiev but stressed the US also needed to shoulder that responsibility.
Moscow sees the Ukraine conflict as a US-led proxy war against Russia and claims it is taking much greater risks than the West. “For us it is a matter of life and death. For (the US) it is a matter of improving its tactical position (globally and in Europe),” President Vladimir Putin reiterated in an interview this week.
However, Russian officials insist that no Western weapons supplied to Kiev can change the outcome of the war.
