And so if they’re triggered now, you lose the deterrent effect,” Blinken stated. “So when it comes to sanctions, the purpose of those sanctions is to deter Russian aggression. “But you’re not imposing the sanctions?” Bash interjected. “So we’re taking concrete action,” Blinken said. provided more military assistance to Ukraine than it has in any other year, and that it has been “going against those inside Ukraine trying to destabilize the government.” is “taking the lead and bringing countries throughout Europe, and even beyond, together in putting together massive consequences for Russia if it takes renewed aggressive action in Ukraine.” He also noted that in 2021 alone, the U.S. We are doing a lot right now,” Blinken responded.
“First of all, Dana, as I said, we are not waiting. “But if we are talking about the sanctions policy and the probability of escalation, then the question is, why are you not introducing sanctions now rather than wait until after the escalation?”Īfter reading these comments to Blinken, Bash asked: “What’s your answer to that?” “Today our partners are saying that war may start tomorrow if there is a powerful escalation on the Russian side, and then there will be powerful sanctions applied,” Zelensky said. In an interview with the Washington Post, Zelensky questioned why Ukraine’s allies were waiting to impose sanctions. has waited to impose sanctions on Russia as the country has amassed more than 100,000 troops near the Ukrainian border and raised concerns about a possible invasion.ĭuring an interview on State of the Union, Bash mentioned comments made by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday. CNN host Dana Bash questioned Secretary of State Antony Blinken Sunday over why the U.S.