Russian aggression is its strategic debacle: Blinken explains why invaders won't prevail

Blinken outlined several factors that will impede Putin's ambitions during a conversation with World Economic Forum President Borge Brende in Saudi Arabia.

Blinken highlighted the approval of aid to Ukraine by the United States as a significant factor.

"The success in – as we say, better late than never – getting the supplemental budget request is a demonstration that we’re not going anywhere, that support is continuing, and in fact the 61 or so billion dollars is as we speak moving forward," he stated.

He expressed confidence that this assistance will serve as practical and psychological encouragement for Ukrainians and as "a clear demonstration that the support remains and it endures."

Blinken underscored the global solidarity with Ukraine, emphasizing the commitment of allies "for Ukraine to be strong in the long haul and to stand strongly on its own two feet militarily, economically, democratically."

"I’ve never seen a better example of burden-sharing than in the case of Ukraine, where European partners, Asian partners, others, for as much as we’ve done, have done even more, and that continues," he remarked.

Additionally, Blinken pointed out that over 30 countries are either in negotiations or will soon finalize bilateral security agreements with Ukraine.

He also highlighted efforts to stimulate private sector investments in Ukraine, noting significant interest from the US.

Blinken applauded Ukraine's resurgence in trade, particularly its increased exports since February 2022.

"The European Union opened accession talks with Ukraine, and that’s the best pathway to deepening Ukraine’s democracy.  All of that is the strongest possible answer to Putin, because it says that Ukraine will not only survive –  it can thrive going forward," he mentioned as a reason Putin won't succeed. 

Blinken expressed hope that Putin would heed this message and consider the possibility of a ceasefire with Ukraine.

"I believe that this aggression by Russia has been a strategic debacle for Russia.  It’s had to make this massive effort that we talked about in trying to get around export controls and sanctions, but it’s reoriented its economy in a way that is not sustainable.  It may work in the near term; it can’t be sustained in the long term," he concluded. 

• Recently, Blinken criticized China for supplying equipment to Russia's defense industry, asserting that China cannot simultaneously seek to end the conflict while improving relations with Europe.