Blinken names goal of US-Russia discussions

America and its allies will continue to actively pursue a diplomatic de-escalation around Ukraine during security talks with Russia scheduled for next week, US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said at a press conference at the State Department.

"[As NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said earlier], Russia's aggressive actions pose a threat to peace and stability in Europe. We are ready to give a decisive response to further Russian aggression, but a diplomatic solution is still possible and preferable if Russia chooses [the path of diplomacy and de-escalation]. This is what we, with our allies and partners, will continue to strive for next week, " TASS quotes the US Secretary of State as saying.