The US believes the success of a future AFU counter-offensive could bring negotiations closer

He said this in an interview with Fox News, Ukrayinska Pravda reports.

Blinken noted that Russia has already been defeated in Ukraine because its original goal of wiping Ukraine off the map, incorporating it into Russia and destroying it as an independent state has not been achieved. He also pointed to a planned Ukrainian counter-offensive in the coming weeks, the success of which could be the key to negotiations with Russia and lead to a "just peace".

We know that the Ukrainians are planning a counter-offensive in the coming weeks. We will see what comes of this (from a counter-offensive - ed.). After all, success on the battlefield is the best and perhaps the fastest route to negotiations that will lead to a just and lasting peace," said the US Secretary of State.

Blinken offered his thoughts on China's role in a peaceful resolution of the conflict:

I think we are open to any country making a responsible effort to promote peace, and that starts with a few things. First of all, with the recognition that the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine is at stake, so any peace agreement must have that as a basis.

According to Blinken, it is important that all those working to promote peace have direct communication with Ukraine