According to Anthony Blinken, the United States as a whole is striving for a more stable and predictable relationship with Russia.
According to TASS, the head of American diplomacy was asked in an interview in Kiev to the radio station Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty (recognized in the Russian Federation as a foreign media agent) whether the United States is now considering the option of excluding the Russian Federation from SWIFT. In response, Blinken did not say yes or no.
“I don’t want to go into hypothetical questions about what we can do in the future. Let me just say that we will consider all reasonable options when it comes to trying to contain aggression“, – replied Blinken, in whose words – “it is clear that the consequences will be in different areas.”
At the same time, the head of the State Department stressed that the United States as a whole is striving for more stable and predictable relations.
“Let me also say the following, because it’s important: we would prefer a more stable and predictable relationship with the Russian Federation. But it is also important that if Russia takes, continues to take reckless or aggressive actions, whether against Ukraine or elsewhere, where it conflicts with our interests or our partners, we will respond, not for the purpose of escalation, not in the purpose of finding a conflict, but because such actions cannot remain unanswered. They cannot go unpunished. And therefore, I think it is quite clear that there will be consequences”, – Blinken argued, – “But I sincerely hope that Russia understands that we would prefer more stable, predictable relations, but ultimately it depends on the Russian Federation, on its actions or lack of action. “