US and Australia urge China to influence Moscow to end war in Ukraine
Illustrative photo (Getty Images)
The United States and Australia have reached out to countries that have influence over Russia, particularly China. They are urging these nations to leverage their influence on Moscow to bring an end to the war in Ukraine, according to the Pentagon.
Recently, bilateral talks in the "2+2" format took place in the American city of Annapolis. The talks included US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin, and their Australian counterparts, Penny Wong and Richard Marles.
Among the topics discussed by US and Australian representatives was Russia's war against Ukraine. They condemned Moscow for initiating the war and called for the withdrawal of troops from Ukrainian territory, as well as compensation for the damages.
"They expressed support for the Summit on Peace in Ukraine and reaffirmed the need to reach a just, comprehensive, and lasting peace in line with the UN Charter. The principals called on all those with influence on Russia, particularly China, to exert it now to end the war and to cease support to Russia's defense industrial base," the Pentagon's statement reads.
The United States and Australia reaffirmed their stance that those who support Russia's illegal war will face consequences and confirmed their intent to increase sanctions against countries that back Russia's war.
Additionally, both nations condemned Iran for its support of Russia, including providing drones and missiles. The US and Australia also criticized the growing friendship between Russia and North Korea, particularly the supply of North Korean weapons to Russia for the war against Ukraine.
US assistance
The United States is one of Ukraine's largest partners. Washington has provided the Ukrainian military with weapons, including tanks, armored vehicles, multiple rocket launchers, long-range missiles, drones, ammunition, and other military equipment.
Furthermore, the US continues to support Ukraine politically. US President Joe Biden has repeatedly said that Ukraine will join NATO in the future, though he emphasized that this cannot happen during the war.
Recently, the White House announced that it is allocating two more military aid packages to Ukraine, which include ammunition for HIMARS systems, missiles, and other munitions.
