‘We are deeply concerned’- Antony Blinken on US journalist being detained by Russia
The relationship between Russia and the US is going through its worst phase since President Joe Biden visited war-torn Ukraine in February.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Thursday said that Biden government is deeply concerned over Russia’s announcement that it has detained an American citizen journalist.
“We are deeply concerned over Russia’s announcement it has detained a U.S. citizen journalist. The @StateDept’s highest priority is the safety and security of U.S. citizens abroad. If you are a U.S. citizen living or traveling in Russia – please leave immediately,” Blinken tweeted.
The development is seen as a major flashpoint between US and Russia. The relationship between the two superpowers has been growing bitter since Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine.
Biden’s Ukraine visit irked Russia
Earlier, President Joe Biden made a surprise visit to war-tourn Ukraine on February 20, 2023 which irked Russia. Since then Russia has been threatening the US with an escalation of war if it does not stop supporting Ukraine.
Biden’s surprise 23-hour visit to Ukraine was the first time in modern history that a US leader visited a warzone outside the aegis of the US military — a feat the White House said carried some risk even though Moscow was given a heads-up. Over the next five hours, the president made multiple stops around town — ferried about in a white SUV rather than the presidential limousine — without any announcement to the Ukrainian public that he was there. But all that activity attracted enough attention that word of his presence leaked out well before he could get back to Poland, which was the original plan. Aides at the White House were surprised the secret held as long as it did.
Ukraine will never be ‘victory’ for Russia, says Biden
The win over Ukraine in the war will never be a victory for Russia, Biden said on February 21 in Poland after making a surprise visit to Kyiv, just a few days ahead of the anniversary of the conflict.
“A dictator bent on rebuilding an empire will never be able to erase the people’s love of liberty. Brutality will never grind down the will of the free. And Ukraine will never be a victory for Russia. Never,” Biden said while addressing a crowd of thousands of people gathered outside the Royal Castle in Warsaw.
“For free people refuse to live in a world of hopelessness and darkness. You know, this has been an extraordinary year in every sense. Extraordinary brutality from Russian forces and mercenaries. They have committed depravities, crimes against humanity, without shame or compunction,” he added.
He further stated that Russia has targeted civilians with death and destruction. The Russian army has used rape as a weapon of war and stolen Ukrainian children in an attempt to take away Ukraine’s future. Biden also said that no one can turn away their eyes from the atrocities Russia is committing against the Ukrainian people.
