In a recent interview with CBS’s “60 Minutes,” US Vice President Kamala Harris reaffirmed her commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty, stating that she would not engage in bilateral talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin without Ukraine’s representation. This stance underscores the Biden administration’s firm rejection of any negotiations with Putin.
Harris emphasized Ukraine’s right to determine its own future, saying, “Not bilaterally without Ukraine, no. Ukraine must have a say in the future of Ukraine.” This statement comes amidst concerns that a potential peace deal between the US and Russia could compromise Ukraine’s territorial integrity.
The US Vice President also criticized Republican rival Donald Trump’s policies on Ukraine, labeling them as “surrender” to Moscow’s invasion. Trump has previously expressed skepticism about Washington’s significant military and financial aid to Ukraine, claiming he could swiftly negotiate a peace agreement with Putin.
However, Kyiv fears that such a deal would involve ceding control of eastern Ukraine to Russia, which has captured significant territory since the invasion began in February 2022. Harris acknowledged Ukraine’s aspirations to join the NATO military alliance, stating that she would address this issue “if and when it arrives at that point.”
This development highlights the ongoing tensions between the US, Russia, and Ukraine, with Harris’s statement underscoring the importance of Ukrainian representation in any future peace talks.
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