Blinken Pledges NATO Support Amidst Trump's Imminent Influence

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken reassured NATO of continued support for Ukraine ahead of Donald Trump's return to power. In Brussels, with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Blinken emphasized fortifying the alliance, addressing North Korean troop deployment to Russia, and expediting U.S. aid to Ukraine.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken reaffirmed on Wednesday that the Biden administration is committed to reinforcing its support for Ukraine in the months leading up to Donald Trump's presidency. In a significant meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in Brussels, Blinken highlighted efforts to strengthen the alliance's resilience during this crucial period.

Blinken expressed concerns over North Korean troops assisting Russia in the Ukraine conflict, promising a stern reaction to such developments. President-elect Trump's stance of potentially reducing U.S. military support for Ukraine has stirred apprehension among NATO allies, fearing a forced peace on Moscow's terms, especially as Biden relinquishes office on January 20.

Blinken assured that the outgoing administration would sustain efforts to empower Ukraine to negotiate or combat Russian forces effectively. Additionally, he cited the need to expedite all U.S. Congress-approved aid to Ukraine prior to Biden's departure. The critical nature of the war, as articulated by Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, underscores a call for expedited decision-making against Russian aggression.

(With inputs from agencies.)