Blinken: We Are Not Ready to Sacrifice Our Fundamental Principles, Including NATO's Open Door Policy

The United States will not sacrifice its fundamental principles to Russia, including NATO's "open door policy." This statement was made by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken as he summarized the results of negotiations in Geneva with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

"It is important to clearly state what we will not do... We are not ready to sacrifice our fundamental principles, including NATO's open door policy," said the head of the State Department.

Blinken pointed out that he has "made it very clear" to Lavrov that there are principles that U.S. partners and allies are ready to defend.

In his opinion, Russia is now facing a choice: negotiations or conflict. The United States and its allies are prepared for both options.

"This is the choice that Russia now faces. You can choose the path of diplomacy that leads to peace and security. Or the path that will lead to conflict, serious consequences, and international condemnation," said the head of American diplomacy.

Commenting on the meeting, Blinken noted that the discussion cannot be called negotiations; rather, it was a "sincere exchange of ideas." According to the U.S. diplomat, following these discussions, Washington and Moscow are on the path to a better understanding of each other's positions.

He stated that the U.S. and Russia could work in several areas to address "mutual concerns," including arms control.

"There are areas where we can respond to concerns on a reciprocal basis, including greater transparency in our military operations, measures to mitigate risks, arms control, and other ways to build confidence," Blinken said.

The meeting in Geneva between Lavrov and Blinken was the third of its kind. The first was in May in Reykjavik during the Arctic Council ministerial meeting. The second took place in December during the OSCE ministerial meeting in Stockholm.