Victoria Nuland: If Putin does not withdraw from Ukraine, he will endanger his army, economy

This was stated by the US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Victoria Nuland during the 15th annual Kyiv Security Forum, founded by the Arseniy Yatsenyuk Open Ukraine Foundation, according to the forum’s website.

She noted that Ukraine is currently preparing for a counter-offensive, and Putin must understand that the United States will support Ukraine as long as necessary.

"If he does not withdraw from Ukraine, he will endanger all his troops, all his money and the country's economic power. Ukraine will ultimately win and will be part of European democracy in any case," said Victoria Nuland.

"In Russia, more and more bodies will be returned in zinc coffins, and they will realise the scale of the tragedy. The tragedy is happening not only in Ukraine, but in Russia as well. The question for Putin is whether he understands that his leadership inside the country is being defeated," she stressed.

In addition, when asked what Ukraine can expect from the upcoming NATO Summit in Vilnius, Victoria Nuland assured that the Alliance intends to express its support more clearly.

"I think that in Vilnius, Ukraine can expect a clearer expression of what we have already said. That we support Ukraine, which is becoming more and more democratic and stronger. And we support it in the long term - as individual Allies and collectively," she said.

"We also cooperate in the field of intelligence, cyber security, and Ukrainians will see this strong relationship between NATO and Ukraine," Victoria Nuland concluded.

As a reminder, the 15th annual Kyiv Security Forum "For Our Freedom and Yours / Fighting for NATO" is taking place on 25-26 May with the participation of prominent international figures. The Forum will, among other things, form the Security Council and adopt a resolution with recommendations for the NATO Summit in Vilnius, which will take place in July.