The successful counter -offensive of Ukraine can force Putin to negotiate - Blinken

"The success of Ukraine in a counter-offensive will make two things. It will strengthen its position at any negotiating table that will appear, and this can also lead to Putin finally focus on the negotiations on the termination of the war he started. The sense of it can bring peace rather than removing it, "he said. Given the above, Washington will continue to provide maximum support from Kiev now so that he can succeed in the battlefield, Blinken said.

In addition, according to the US official, support is aimed at Ukraine that can later create a powerful means of restraint and defense potential for its army. Then, in the future, if the Kremlin tries to make a new aggression, Kiev will be able to restrain it and protect it effectively. Blinken added that military, economic and democratic forces are priority things that Ukraine need not only for survival but also for further development.

"And it also sends a very strong signal to President Putin, as he believes that he will survive Ukraine, that he will survive our countries, he is mistaken; and that we are devoted to Ukraine not only now, but also in the long run," he said. The US Secretary of State also expressed the view that Kiev can expect from NATO summit in Vilnius a powerful package of both political and practical support.

The American official noted that the Ukrainian people, like all countries that support it, want peace but fair and durable. And when Russia is ready to go to it, Ukraine and allies will be able to support it. However, now, he said, Putin is not ready to go for it. We will remind, on June 12 the deputy head of the office of the President of Ukraine Igor Zhovkva stated that for the full liberation of territories from Russian invaders may take long months of struggle.