U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken holds an APEC Ministerial Meeting (AMM) Opening Session in San Francisco, California, U.S., November 14, 2023. REUTERS/Carlos Barria/File Photo
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is set to emphasize NATO’s steadfast support for Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict with Russia in Europe. Despite the ongoing Gaza conflict occupying the Biden administration’s attention, Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs James O’Brien stated that Blinken will underscore the NATO alliance’s commitment during the first foreign minister-level meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Council in Brussels.
O’Brien assured that the Biden administration is confident in bipartisan support in the U.S. Congress for continued military aid to Ukraine. The Congress is evaluating requests for additional funding for Ukraine’s defense, as well as military aid to Israel and Taiwan.
Addressing a report about the U.S. and Germany allegedly pushing Kyiv into negotiations with Moscow, O’Brien clarified that the U.S. does not have such a policy, emphasizing that it is a matter for Ukraine to decide.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg anticipates the alliance’s foreign ministers reaffirming “NATO’s long-term support” for Ukraine during their meeting in Brussels. Concerns have been raised about potential delays in Sweden’s accession to NATO due to Turkey and Hungary, but O’Brien expressed optimism about seeing positive action soon, urging Turkey to proceed without further delays.
Blinken will also address rising tensions in the Western Balkans, where NATO is considering an increased troop presence, particularly in northern Kosovo. O’Brien noted Washington’s support for a robust NATO-led peacekeeping force in the region, emphasizing that securing the northern area is crucial for political progress.
In addition to the NATO meeting, Blinken will represent the United States at a gathering of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe in Skopje, North Macedonia, this week, according to O’Brien.
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