On Wednesday, January 26, the U.S. gave Russia a written response to their requirements of "safety guarantees".
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken revealed certain details of the document regarding the briefing.
Washington remains committed to NATO's "open doors" principle
According to Blinken, the U.S. is committed to Ukraine's right to choose its allies.
When asked directly by journalists whether thein this document the U.S. told the Russians point-blank in writing that “no” is the answer to their demand for a formal bar on the expansion of NATO, the permanent exclusion of Ukraine, and the withdrawal of certain forces and equipment from Eastern Europe, Blinken replied that he would not comment on their specific positions.
“Again, without going into the specifics of the document, I can tell you that it reiterates what we’ve said publicly for many weeks and, in a sense, for many years: that we will uphold the principle of NATO’s open door, and that’s, as I’ve said repeatedly in recent weeks, a commitment that we’re bound to. And so the document, as I said, makes very clear some of the basic principles that we are standing by, committed to, and will uphold, much of which has been stated in public, including by me in recent days and weeks. And that goes to NATO’s “Open Door” policy,” Blinken said.
The answer will not be published
The U.S. does not plan to publish the document and asked Moscow to do the same.
“We’re not releasing the document publicly because we think that diplomacy has the best chance to succeed if we provide space for confidential talks. We hope and expect that Russia will have the same view and will take our proposals seriously,” Blinken stated.
The U.S. is ready to continue the dialogue with Russia on the points where cooperation is possible
The response also addresses other areas where we see the potential for progress, including arms control related to missiles in Europe, our interest in a follow-on agreement to the New START treaty that covers all nuclear weapons, and ways to increase transparency and stability.
“We’re open to dialogue, we prefer diplomacy, and we’re prepared to move forward where there is the possibility of communication and cooperation if Russia de-escalates its aggression toward Ukraine, stops the inflammatory rhetoric, and approaches discussions about the future of security in Europe in a spirit of reciprocity,” Blinken added.
Blinken is planning a new meeting with Lavrov
“I expect to speak to Foreign Minister Lavrov in the coming days after Moscow has had a chance to read the paper and is ready to discuss next steps,” Blinken invited Russia to continue negotiations.
He also said that certain proposals will come from the NATO side.
America is ready for any Russia’s action
The U.S. is continuing to coordinate with our European allies and partners on severe economic sanctions to hold Moscow accountable for its actions.
“We’ve developed a high-impact, quick-action response that would inflict significant costs on the Russian economy and financial system,” Blinken noted.
Notably, the U.S. responses were fully coordinated with Ukraine, and its input was incorporated into the final version delivered to Moscow.
The U.S. continues to supply weapons to Ukraine
Three deliveries of U.S. defensive military assistance arrived in Kyiv this week, carrying additional Javelin missiles and other anti-armor systems, 283 tons of ammunition, and non-lethal equipment essential to Ukraine’s front-line defenders. More deliveries are expected in the days to come.
Regarding American citizens in Ukraine: a decision was based on the factor of safety and security of U.S. diplomats and their families only.
Despite the recommendations to Americans to leave Ukraine, it doesn't mean U.S. certainty in the invasion.
The U.S. Embassy in Kyiv will remain open, and the U.S. continue to maintain a robust presence to provide diplomatic, economic, and security support to Ukraine.
America is looking for ways to support Ukraine's economy
Blinken noted that the Ukrainian economy has suffered from this crisis.
“Finally, we’re looking to support our allies and partners in dealing with the secondary negative consequences of Russia’s destabilizing acts. For example, we know that Ukraine’s economy and financial position is being affected by this crisis. And just as we’re bolstering Ukraine’s security, so too are we looking for how we can support its economy beyond the significant assistance we’re already providing,” he said.