Blinken and Scholz: If Russia chooses conflict over diplomacy, it will face consequences

(Patria) - US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Berlin today, after meeting with Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock. The main topic of discussion was Russia and the buildup of troops around Ukraine.

"It was a pleasure to meet with German Chancellor Scholz today in Berlin. We are firm in our commitment to impose enormous consequences and serious costs on Russia if it chooses conflict over diplomacy," Blinken stated.

At today's press conference, Blinken said that in the event of Russian aggression against Ukraine, the US and its partners will react strongly.

"We have been very clear all along. If any Russian military forces move across the Ukrainian border and commit new acts of aggression against Ukraine, it will be met with a swift, sharp reaction from the United States and our allies and partners," Blinken told reporters in Berlin.

Speaking at a press conference with Blinken, Minister Baerbock said that the ministers "call on Russia to take steps towards de-escalation" of the situation.

"Any further aggressive stance, any further aggression, would have severe consequences," Baerbock said.

Blinken will hold a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Geneva on Friday.