US Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Brussels on Tuesday ahead of this week’s NATO foreign ministry, where US officials are warning that Russia’s war in Ukraine could enter a protracted new phase.
Speaking to reporters on his way to the Belgian capital, the top US diplomat said it was “an important moment” to coordinate with allies and partners “on a number of fronts”.
“We clearly have a changing dynamic on the battlefield with the Russian withdrawal from parts of Ukraine, especially Kiev and areas further west,” Blinken said.
“We have, of course, revealed to the whole world the horrific atrocities committed in Bucha. I suspect, unfortunately, that we will see more of that where Russian troops are retreating,” he said. “Like I said, it’s like a receding tide and we’re seeing in very stark terms the death and destruction left in its wake. So obviously there’s a lot of focus on that.”
Blinken said the ministerial meeting, held just weeks after NATO leaders met in Brussels, will also focus on “the work we’ve done together to support the Ukrainians and we’ll look at ways to support that and then the work we’re doing to put pressure on Russia and Putin, and we’ll look for ways to not just sustain that, but build on that.”
“And, of course, working to strengthen and strengthen the NATO alliance,” Blinken added.
US Ambassador to NATO Julie Smith told reporters earlier Tuesday that there would be a separate session at the NATO ministerial meeting with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, saying: “It is important for us to hear from the Ukrainians first-hand their assessment of these fast-moving developments on the ground, and what else can we all do to help the Ukrainians at this time.”
While in Brussels, Blinken will meet not only his NATO counterparts at the ministerial meeting, but also with the “Quint” – Italy, France, Germany and the United Kingdom – and the “Quad” – France, Germany and the UK . He will also meet his Australian and Japanese colleagues.
