The United States is ready to participate in the Normandy format and in a parallel process, U.S. Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Victoria Nuland said.
“As for the format of negotiation, you know that in the Barack Obama administration I along with other American officials participated in a parallel process to Normandy. Germany and France were directly involved in the Normandy talks with Ukraine and Russia, and then we supported the goals and aspirations discussed by Moscow and Kyiv in order to close the gaps and contribute its share of creativity. It does not seem like all those efforts have moved much lately. I think we told Ukraine, Russia and the Europeans that we are ready to resume engagement in some way, either within the Normandy format, or again as parallel support, in the event that, and as necessary, the parties will see a way through which we will be useful,” Nuland said at the YES Brainstorming conference in Kyiv on Sept. 10.
She said that, according to her information, recently a meeting of advisers to the presidents of Ukraine and Russia Andriy Yermak and Dmitriy Kozak, as well as advisers to the presidents of France and Germany, took place.
“There was at least a more positive tone. If this process really changes and takes on life forms, we are ready to help,” she said.
Nuland said that during the meeting, U.S. President Joe Biden assured Russian President Vladimir Putin of the U.S. commitment to Ukraine and their intention to continue to support its sovereignty, security and defense needs.
She said that it is known how historically President Biden is committed to Ukraine, its sovereignty and independence. Ukraine has largely figured both in the one-on-one meeting and in the broader meeting, including, as the U.S. President said, absolutely making it clear to President Putin of the United States’ commitment to Ukraine and the U.S. intention to continue to support its sovereignty, security and defense needs.
According to Nuland, Biden also told Putin that the U.S. sanctions against Russia will remain in force until the reason why they were imposed is not resolved.
In addition, Nuland drew attention to the fact that when Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited the United States, the importance of keeping the Black Sea open for international navigation was emphasized and that freedom of navigation is respected there.
She also said this is a place that the United States really need to keep an eye on in the coming years, and they need to accelerate their efforts to work together to keep the Black Sea open and free.
YES Brainstorming is organized by the Yalta European Strategy (YES) and Victor Pinchuk Foundation.
