The US threatened to withdraw from the negotiations at the UN Security Council if Russia continues the war

The US has threatened to withdraw from the negotiation process if Russia decides to continue the war. About this stated Acting Deputy Permanent Representative of the United States to the United Nations John Kelly during the meeting of the United Nations Security Council dedicated to the situation in Ukraine.

Kelly stressed that the United States seeks an end to the war and as a first step offered a complete ceasefire, which Ukraine “absolutely accepted”. Kyiv and Washington expected a similar response from Russia. Instead, the Russian Federation carried out one of the largest drone attacks in Ukraine, which Kelly described as a “disdain for human life” and called for it to be stopped immediately. He also noted the 1,000-for-1,000 prisoner exchange, calling it “a testament to what could be possible.”

The US representative assured that the country will continue to work with both sides of the conflict, as well as with European partners and the UN to achieve peace, starting with a ceasefire.

“But we will insist on peace talks by both sides. If Russia makes the wrong decision and continues this disastrous war, the United States will have to consider how to withdraw from these talks.” he emphasized.

Kelly added that even in the case of this step, the US “will not abandon its principles and friends.” This, he said, would be a recognition that Russia does not want to cooperate with the United States to achieve a common goal.

He also recalled Donald Trump’s position that the US seeks to work with Russia to achieve peace and create an economic package, noting that a military solution to the conflict is impossible. Continuation of the war, Kelly emphasized, will harm all parties, including the Russian economy. At the same time, additional sanctions are “still under consideration”. The United States called on both Russia and Ukraine to make “difficult, historic decisions” to achieve peace.

For her part, UN Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo emphasized during the meeting that even a month ago she had “a cautious hope” for diplomatic progress towards ending hostilities. However, instead of steps towards peace, the world witnessed “a violent surge of large-scale Russian attacks across the country.”