W diplomatic solution to the crisis with Russia is "in the hands of Russian President Vladimir Putin," US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Wednesday at the start of his 3-day European tour.

I updated Ukrainian President @ZelenskyyUA today on our engagements with Russia last week and stressed there will be nothing about Ukraine, without Ukraine. I applaud Ukraine’s commitment to a peaceful resolution and urge Russia to pursue diplomacy as the only way forward. pic.twitter.com/A0cNX7k23m

— Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) January 19, 2022

After meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, Blinken will head to Berlin for discussions with allies before his trip to Geneva to meet Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov following the failed talks that took place last week.

"I strongly, strongly hope that we can keep this on a diplomatic and peaceful path, but ultimately, that's going to be President Putin's decision," Blinken said during his visit to Ukraine.

"I won't be presenting paper at that time to Foreign Minister Lavrov," Blinken stated, adding that "we need to see where we are and see if there remain opportunities to pursue the diplomacy and pursue the dialogue which, as I have said, is by far the preferable course."

Zelensky meets Blinken in Kyiv: We look forward to strengthening economic cooperation

After his meeting with US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, President Zelensky said he "thanked him for his participation in the process of de-escalation of the situation across Ukraine and looks forward to further strengthening of economic and financial cooperation."

Related News

6,000 student visas revoked under Rubio, US State Dept says

US halts visitor visas for Gaza residents

Ended negotiations with @SecBlinken. I appreciate personal involvement in the de-escalation of the situation around 🇺🇦. Grateful for 🇺🇸's political & security support. Count on enhancing economic & financial cooperation. I'm sure there will be no decision about 🇺🇦 without 🇺🇦. pic.twitter.com/MNGvHqBKE2

— Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) January 19, 2022

"[We have] Ended negotiations with SecBlinken. I appreciate personal involvement in the de-escalation of the situation around Ukraine. Grateful for the US's political & security support. [We] Count on enhancing economic & financial cooperation. I'm sure there will be no decision about Ukraine without Ukraine," Zelensky said on Twitter.

Today, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba stressed that Ukraine was "not planning any offensive operations against "pro-Russian separatists" that could trigger a response from Moscow.

Russia threatens Ukraine not only militarily, but also internally and economically. We are working to ensure Ukraine’s financial and economic stability despite challenges. Grateful to the U.S. for being ready to support Ukraine in dealing with economic challenges posed by Russia.

— Dmytro Kuleba (@DmytroKuleba) January 19, 2022

Kyiv hopes the Geneva talks would make Russia "less aggressive and more constructive," Kuleba said.

Blinken met Zelensky and Kuliba during his visit to Ukraine. According to the US State Department's announcement, the chief of US diplomacy will reaffirm the US is "committed to supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity."

The United States and Ukraine share a common desire for a hopeful and bright future for all Ukrainians. We stand enduringly with the Ukrainian people and remain committed to supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Learn more: https://t.co/PNOQXgXOQa

— Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) January 18, 2022

On Tuesday, Moscow refused to hold fresh talks on Ukraine unless the West responded to its demands.

Moscow has denied any intentions for an attack but has warned that unless the West agrees to a list of demands, including barring Ukraine from ever joining NATO, it may take unspecified military action. Last week's talks between Russia and the US and NATO came to a halt due to a lack of progress.