Secretary of State Antony Blink
Antony BlinkenBiden sees greater US role in global vaccination efforts Ukraine says it will not fall back on Russian pressure. Preview shows Sunday: Democrats see two-part infrastructure boost; Michigan coronavirus cases are on the rise MORE will join the Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin
Lloyd Austin Overnight Defense: Biden Proposes 3B Defense Budget | Criticism comes from left and right | Pentagon moves to new screening for extremists The paradox of US-India relations Pentagon chief visits Europe, Israel amid tensions with Russia, Iran MORE for discussions at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, about Iran, Russia and Afghanistan, a top US official said Saturday.
The official told Reuters that Blinken’s discussions would focus on Iran, Afghanistan and the ongoing build-up of Russian forces near the border with Ukraine.
Austin was previously scheduled to visit Brussels from Saturday. The talks would include Israel, Germany and Great Britain.
Russian president Vladimir Putin
Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin Closes the Ways of Foreign Interference Israel Needs Russia, But It’s Not a Marriage in Heaven Pentagon Can Send Warships to the Black Sea to Support Ukraine accused Ukraine of carrying out “dangerous provocative actions” in the disputed Donbass region of eastern Ukraine, raising fears that Russia might send troops to support pro-Russian separatists in the region. Reuters reports that Russia has amassed more troops in the region than ever before since it annexed Crimea in 2014.
A State Department spokesman declined to comment on the secretary’s travel plans when he reached out to The Hill.
Blinken’s reported trip to NATO headquarters would also come as efforts continue in Afghanistan to support the country’s fragile government, while a deadline for an agreement requiring the US to withdraw combat troops from the country will fall on May 1. President Biden
Joe BidenBiden Sees Greater US Role In Global Vaccination Efforts Trump Says GOP Will Take White House In 2024 Prepared Speech Kemp: Getting All-Star Game Out Of Atlanta Will Hurt Business Owners Of Color More has not yet announced whether the US will meet that deadline.