Victoria Nuland: If Putin does not withdraw troops from Ukraine, he will jeopardize both his army and economy

If Russian President Vladimir Putin does not end the war and withdraw his troops from Ukraine, he will put at risk his army, money and the country’s economy.

This was stated by Victoria Nuland, United States Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, at the 15^th annual Kyiv Security Forum, established by the Arseniy Yatsenyuk’s “Open Ukraine” Foundation.

She noted that Ukraine is getting ready for a counteroffensive today, and Putin must understand that the United States will support Ukraine for as long as necessary.

“If he does not withdraw from Ukraine, he will put into jeopardy all his troops, all his money and all of the economic might of his country. Ukraine will ultimately win, and become an integral part of European democracy anyway,” Victoria Nuland stressed.

“More and more bodies will return to Russia in zinc coffins, and only then they will perhaps embrace the scale of the tragedy. Tragic event happen not only in Ukraine, but in Russia as well. Let’s ask Putin whether he comprehends that his leadership will be defeated domestically as well?”, she emphasized.

In addition, answering the question of what Ukraine can expect from the upcoming NATO summit to be held in Vilnius, Victoria Nuland stated clearly that the Alliance intends to express its support even more clearly.

“I think that in Vilnius Ukraine can expect a clearer statement of what we have already said. Namely, that we support Ukraine, which is increasingly becoming more democratic and strong. And we will support Ukraine in the long-term as well – both  at individual, and collective levels,” she said.

“We also cooperate in intelligence issues, cyber security, and it is for all of Ukrainians to experience this powerful relationship between NATO and Ukraine,” Victoria Nuland summed up.

Noteworthy, the 15t annual Kyiv Security Forum “For Our and Your Freedom/ Fighting for NATO” will be held on May 25-26, 2023, with the participation of well-known international figures. In particular, at the Forum, the KSF Security Council will be formed and a policy document will be adopted with recommendations for the NATO summit in Vilnius to be held this July.