U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken made an important statement regarding the United States’ vision of Ukraine’s victory in the war with Russia. According to him, Russia’s main goal – to destroy Ukrainian sovereignty and annex Ukraine – has not been achieved and will never be achieved. Instead, Ukraine’s success will be its successful integration with the West and its ability to stand on its own in military, economic, and democratic terms.
Beginning of the War and Ukraine’s Resilient Resistance
Antony Blinken emphasized that in February 2022, when Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, there was a real fear that Russia would achieve its goal of wiping Ukraine off the map. However, this did not happen thanks to the extraordinary courage and resilience of the Ukrainians, as well as the support of over 50 countries, led by the United States.
“This is already a huge success, considering where we were and where events could have led,” Blinken noted.
What Is Success for Ukraine?
Looking ahead, the U.S. Secretary of State emphasized the importance of understanding what success means for Ukraine. In his view, success lies in a strong, successful Ukraine that increasingly integrates with the West and can independently defend its interests.
“For us, success is very obvious. It is Ukraine, which is a strong, successful country that increasingly integrates with the West, and a country that can stand on its own in military, economic, and democratic terms,” he stressed.
Long-Term Support Strategy
Antony Blinken also emphasized the importance of a long-term support strategy for Ukraine. He noted that President Biden was able to persuade over 30 countries to agree to negotiate bilateral security agreements with Ukraine, which would guarantee assistance in developing a strong defense capability.
“These agreements are long-term commitments to assist Ukraine in developing a strong deterrent and defense capability. They also signal to Vladimir Putin that he cannot outwait Ukraine, he cannot outwait all of Ukraine’s partners,” stated the U.S. Secretary of State.
Development of Own Defense Industry Base
Ukraine is actively developing its own defense industry base to become self-reliant in meeting its defense needs. This is a key aspect of ensuring the country’s stability and independence in the long term.
Support for Partners and Counteroffensive Operations
Analysts from the Institute for the Study of War also point out that international support can help Ukraine decrease the willingness of Russian dictator Vladimir Putin to continue the war. Significant counteroffensive operations that liberate Ukrainian territories challenge the Kremlin’s assumptions about what Russia can achieve through force.
Secretary Antony Blinken’s statement underscores the importance of international support for Ukraine and emphasizes that Ukraine is capable of succeeding by integrating with the West and strengthening its position in the world.
