Russia losing 5,000 soldiers weekly in Ukraine, says U.S. Secretary of State

The United States is ready to contribute to ending the war in Ukraine, but any peace agreement must have the consent of both Russia and Ukraine, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said. He noted that past U.S. efforts to broker peace have not been successful.

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We want a peace agreement. We want the war to end. We are prepared to play any positive role that would help end this war.

"We want a peace agreement. We want the war to end. We are prepared to play any positive role that would help end this war," Blinken stated, adding that it requires a solution acceptable to both sides. He acknowledged that achieving this would involve significant effort, not just a single meeting or press conference.

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This will require a solution that is agreed to by both Russia and Ukraine.

Blinken revealed that Russia is losing approximately 5,000 soldiers per week in the conflict. He described the war as "senseless" and "pointless," and reiterated President Biden's commitment to ending the bloodshed. "Ultimately, what is most important to the President is that people stop dying, that the carnage stops, that Ukraine can finally live in peace, and that the Ukrainians can return to their country and rebuild it. Also that young Russians are no longer dying on the battlefield at the rate of about 5,000 per week," Blinken said.

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Young Russians are no longer dying on the battlefield at the rate of about 5,000 per week.

The Secretary of State conveyed that the U.S. is prepared to use its full power and influence to help end the war if an opportunity arises. He expressed hope that such an opportunity will emerge, and this message is being communicated to both parties involved in the conflict. Blinken met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in the Philippines, where these discussions likely took place.

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He thinks this is a foolish war. He thinks this is a senseless war.