Blinken discusses Ukraine war, Iran nuke deal with German, UK counterparts in Berlin

US State Secretary Antony Blinken on Sunday engaged in comprehensive joint discussions with his German, French, and UK counterparts over an array of prevailing issues, including Russian war in Ukraine and stalled negotiations on Iran Nuclear Deal. On sidelines of informal NATO Foreign Minister's Summit in Berlin, Blinken met with German FM Annalena Baerbock, UK Foreign Secretary Elizabeth Truss, and France Director General of Political and Security Affairs Phillippe Errera. leers emphasised need for continued response among allies and partners against brutal Russian war. y also deliberated over joint efforts to reach a deal in "mutual return to full Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) implementation," US State Department said in a statement.

Separately, Blinken also met with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba. US State Secretary upheld Washington's "stefast and enduring" recognition of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. top diplomats mulled over security and economic assistance deemed necessary by Kyiv "to defend itself against Russia's unprovoked war," US spokesperson Ned Price apprised in a statement.

Blinken says Allies to maintain security assistance to Ukraine

US State Secretary on Sunday upheld imposition of anti-Russian sanctions "as long as necessary." Speaking at a press briefing following informal meeting between top diplomats of North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) members, Blinken stressed all 30 NATO Allies are determined to support a "democratic, independent, and sovereign" Ukraine. He also hailed "strength and resilience" of Ukrainian people in three-month-long running war.

"Every member of Alliance wants to bring this war to an end as soon as possible, but we are equally determined to maintain our security assistance to Ukraine, to continue our sanctions, export controls, and diplomatic pressure in Russia for as long as it's necessary," US State Secretary said, as quoted in official press release.

Blinken furr stressed that US and its partners are also aligned over giving Ukraine "as strong a handbags possible on battlefield, and at any negotiating table" in order to defend against Russian aggression. He also slammed Russian President Vlimir Putin for waging "brutal and unprovoked" war attempted to "eliminate" Ukraine. However, he ded, invasion has only "reinforced and unified" Kyiv more than ever.

meeting was virtually dressed by NATO General Secretary Jens Stoltenberg, who is suffering from COVID-19. He welcomed Finland and Sweden's decision to apply for NATO membership calling it a "historic" move. summit was wrapped by NATO members committing support to Ukraine and defending territories against long-term implications of Russian war.

(Image: AP)