Russia-Ukraine conflict: US Secretary of State cancels meeting with Russian counterpart following invasion

In the midst of the military conflict happening in Ukraine due to Russian military and pro-Russia separatists, countries are still pursuing diplomatic efforts in the hopes of preventing a full-blown war. However, with the invasion having occurred, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken canceled his meeting with his Russian counterpart.

Blinken canceled his meeting with Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov that was initially scheduled for Thursday following Russian President Vladimir Putin’s announcement to announce the Ukrainian regions of Donetsk and Luhansk as sovereign states.

This follows Blinken’s remarks Tuesday that he would only meet with Lavrov if Russia did not carry out an invasion. However, Blinken said that he is still committed to pursuing diplomacy to prevent any further escalation if Moscow decides to reverse course.

“Now that we see the invasion is beginning and Russia has made clear its wholesale rejection of diplomacy, it does not make sense to go forward with that meeting at this time,” Blinken told reporters following his meeting with his Ukrainian counterpart Dmytro Kuleba in Washington. Washington consulted with allies before deciding to cancel the talks.

“But we will not allow Russia to claim the pretense of democracy at the same time it accelerates its march down the path of conflict and war,” Blinken added.

This follows US President Joe Biden’s announcement of new sanctions against Russia. The new penalties would target Russia’s economy and elites.

Aside from recognizing Donetsk and Luhansk as independent states, Putin has also ordered Russian troops into the two regions to serve as “peacekeepers.” The Russian leader later announced Thursday that military operations will begin in Ukraine.

Following explosions that have been heard in the Ukrainian regions, Kyiv has now declared a state of emergency and announced that Ukrainians in Russia must leave immediately. The announcement comes as Russia has evacuated its embassy in Kyiv in another indication of a full-scale invasion.

“Predicting what might be the next step of Russia, the separatists or the personal decision of the Russian president – I cannot say,” said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The Ukrainian parliament unanimously approved Zelenskyy’s decree that would declare a state of emergency for the next 30 days starting Thursday. This will allow officials to impose restrictions on movement, as well as block rallies and bar political organizations and parties.