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Russian Deputy FM: Ukraine has Made no Effort to Meet 2014 Minsk Agreement; Blinken: I'm here to Prevent War, Not Start One; U.N Security Council Discussing Russia-Ukraine Crisis; Blinken: Russia Plans to Fabricate a Provocation for Attack on Ukraine; Romania Plays a Key Role in Current Crisis; Becky Play the Net Against Cori "Coco" Gauff. Aired 11a-12p ET
Aired February 17, 2022 - 11:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
[11:00:00]
SERGEY VERSHININ, RUSSIAN DEPUTY FOREIGN MINISTER: --it recalled for the world entire for Ukraine's inability to negotiate. He hinted alternative
solution to the conflict of Donbas and Kharkiv - to the order of implementing the provisions of the Minsk Agreement.
On the 31st of January in the interview, "The Associated Press", the Secretary of the National Security Defense Council stated that the
implementation of the Minsk Agreement means destroying of the country. They were assigned at the barrel of Russian guns, and Germans and the French
looked on and everyone, every rational, rational person understood that the implementation is impossible.
Ukrainian politics are trying to implant the opinion in the West that the Minsk agreements are against the national interest of Ukraine's but if the
goal of building peace on their own land is part of the national interest of Ukraine, well, such statements are out of place.
Another excuse that we hear here is that Russia is not implementing some of its obligations in Minsk Agreement. And it is very possible that this is
something that we'll also hear hit today. At the same time, it's obvious that there are absolutely no grounds for that, because there is no mention
of Russia in the text of the Minsk Agreement.
Let me just give you one opinion on this and not by anyone but by a judge from the Constitutional Court of Ukraine. He very recently proposed opening
criminal prosecution against those who participated in the working out of Minsk Agreement, Leonid Kuchma and Petra Persian and the reason he says and
I quote, Minsk provides for 20 obligation placed on Ukraine, six on OSC, two on Donbas and not a single one for Russia.
And of course, colleagues please allow me to yet once again, very briefly, recall the contents of the document were discussing at this meeting of
ours. Let me list it item by item and the order in which they are to be implemented has very clearly stated it cannot be changed.
First ceasefire, second, withdrawal weapons three OSCE monitoring four launching a dialogue between Kyiv and Donbas five amnesties, six exchange
of detainees seven humanitarian access eight lifting the economic blockade nine transfer to the Kyiv border control provided item 11 is implemented 10
withdrawal of foreign formations and mercenaries 11 new constitutions providing special status for Donbas 12 agreeing on the order of conducting
elections and 13 intensifying the work of the contract group amendments.
Seven years down the road, it is clear that none of the provisions of the package of measures have been implemented by Ukraine in full. Starting with
the first one ceasefire and the root of the problem here is systematic lack of desire of Kyiv to get into a direct dialogue with authorized
representative of Donetsk and - in the Contact Group, whereas this is a dialogue that is clearly directly provided in items 4, 9, 11and 12 of the
document.
This is not our requirement. This is something that is stated in the document. It's an obligation on Ukraine. And this is something that our
neighbors increasingly bring into question and thus, risk undermined the whole Minsk process which could lead to devastating consequences for
Ukraine.
Ukraine stubbornly refuses to implement the provisions of the Minsk on direct dialogue with Donbas interim self-governance, risks touring socio
economic links constitutional reform, and currently the - has a draft on decentralization, it's not agreed with Donbas and is not provide for a
special status.
Ukrainian side has taken course to completely move away from a direct interaction about Donbas within the coordination mechanism. And they are
providing various some options but they do not allow for effective reaction in case their violations. Attempts to place the blame on Russia are futile
and baseless and this on the heights of the goal of shifting the blame away from Ukraine.
I must say that we are very disappointed by the ostrich like position of our Western colleagues who are trying not to see obvious things. We are
surprised that they're putting into the shadow the Minsk complex measures, but they are placing the emphasis on the Normandy format.
I'd like to recall the Normandy format according to annex two of the resolution is a mechanism to control implementation, but not the place
where new decisions could be discussed. For seven years, Russia has been calling in all platforms to for the Western sponsors to exert pressure on
Kyiv to implement the Minsk Agreement.
They were doing and they were doing exactly the opposite. So the increasing feeling of impunity push the Ukrainian hotheads to new excuses and military
adventures against their own people and this is what we have.
[11:05:00]
VERSHININ: We have thousands of victims of the internal armed conflict; many millions in Donbas are still presented as foreigners in their own
country. They have automatic rifles sniper rifles, how it serious and strike drones targeted at them.
Ukrainian representatives are keep coming up with new excuses not to implement or the agreements and order to show their own people. There is an
alley of angels and memorial complex in Donetsk to commemorate the children who died from at the hands of Ukrainian military.
Those who died at the Children's Beach in - on the 13th of August, he was targeted by the Air Force of Ukraine. 20 people died, dozens were wounded.
A 24 year old - a local was there with her son at the time when the Ukrainian Air Force started shelling the town from the multiple rocket
launch system.
One of the charges exploded right next to them everything was covered in blood and smoke and bloodied bodies of children. This and other similar
episodes were compiled by the Investigative Committee of Russia and the RT Medium in a compilation showing the Ukrainian military using prohibited
means or ways of means.
And our UN mission have compiled that and disseminated this to members of the Security Council, please take a look at them, you will be horrified by
that. The Kyiv's commitment to the complex of measures can also be illustrated by the reduction last year in Luhansk from the Joint Center
Convention Control of Andrea Cossack.
We would be very grateful you could tell us about this episode. This is a treacherous event and it is a direct violation of item five of the conflict
measures which prohibits the prosecution and punishment of persons in connection with the events - colleagues.
I would like too finally say that you will be able to resist the temptation to play to the cameras, and will not make this meeting of ours into a
circus will not present here a baseless accusation saying that Russia allegedly was going to attack Ukraine.
I think we've had enough speculation on that, including at the Security Council meeting of the 31st of January convened by the United States. We
have long ago clarified everything and explained everything and the announced date of the so called invasion is behind us so therefore I'm - my
advice to you is not present yourself in an awkward situation.
I thank you for your attention. And now I resume my function as President of the Council and I now give the floor to His Excellency Mr. Antony
Blinken, Secretary of State of the United States of America.
ANTONY BLINKEN, U.S. SECRETARY OF STATE: Mr. President, this Council was convened today to discuss the implementation of the Minsk Agreements, a
goal that we all share, despite Russia's persistent violations.
These agreements which were negotiated in 2014 and 2015, and signed by Russia, remain the basis for the peace process to resolve the conflict in
Eastern Ukraine. This Council's primary responsibility the very reason for its creation is the preservation of peace and security.
As we meet today, the most immediate threat to peace and security is Russia's looming aggression against Ukraine. The stakes go far beyond
Ukraine. This is a moment of peril for the lives and safety of millions of people, as well as for the foundation of the United Nations Charter and the
rules based international order that preserves stability worldwide.
This crisis directly affects every member of this council, and every country in the world. Because the basic principles that sustain peace and
security principles that were enshrined in the wake of two world wars and a Cold War, are under threat the principle that one country cannot change the
borders of another by force.
The principle that one country cannot dictate another's choices or policies, or with whom it will associate the principle of national
sovereignty this is the exact kind of crisis that the United Nations and specifically this Security Council was created to prevent.
[11:10:00]
BLINKEN: We must address what Russia is doing right now to Ukraine over the past months, without provocation or justification. Russia has amassed more
than 150,000 troops around Ukraine's borders in Russia - occupied Crimea.
Russia says it's drawing down those forces. We do not see that happening on the ground. Our information indicates clearly that these forces, including
ground troops, aircraft ships, are preparing to launch an attack against Ukraine in the coming days.
We don't know precisely how things will play out. But here's what the world can expect to see unfold. In fact, it's unfolding right now. Today, as
Russia takes steps down the path to war, and re issued the threat of military action.
First, Russia plans to manufacture a pretext for its attack. This could be a violent event that Russia will blame on Ukraine, or an outrageous
accusation that Russia will level against the Ukrainian government. We don't know exactly the formal take. It could be a fabricated so called
terrorist bombing inside Russia.
The invented discovery of a mass grave, a stage drone strike against civilians, or a fake, even a real attack using chemical weapons. Russia may
describe this event as ethnic cleansing, or a genocide making a mockery of a concept that we in this chamber do not take lightly. Nor do I take
lightly based on my family history.
In the past few days, Russian media has already begun to spread some of these false alarms and claims to maximize public outrage to lay the
groundwork for an invented justification for war. Today, that drumbeat has only intensified in Russia's state controlled media. We've heard some of
these basic allegations from Russian back speakers here today.
Second, in response to this manufactured provocation, the highest levels of the Russian government may theatrically convene emergency meetings to
address the so called crisis. The government will issue proclamations declaring that Moscow must respond to defend Russian citizens or ethnic
Russians in Ukraine.
Next, the attack is planned to begin. Russian missiles and bombs will drop across Ukraine. Communications will be jammed. Cyber-attacks will shut down
key Ukrainian institutions. After that, Russian tanks and soldiers will advance on key targets that have already been identified and mapped out in
detailed plans.
We believe these targets include Russia's capital - Ukraine's capital Kyiv, a city of 2.8 million people. And conventional attacks are not all that
Russia plans to inflict upon the people of Ukraine. We have information that indicates Russia will target specific groups of Ukrainians.
We've been warning the Ukrainian government of all that is coming. And here today, we are laying it out in great detail with a hope that by sharing
what we know with the world, we can influence Russia to abandon the path of war and choose a different path while there's still time.
Now, I'm mindful that some have called into question our information, recalling previous instances where intelligence ultimately did not bear
out. But let me be clear. I am here today not to start a war but to prevent one. The information I presented here is validated by what we've seen
unfolding in plain sight before our eyes for months.
And remember that while Russia has repeatedly derided our warnings and alarms as melodrama nonsense, they have been steadily amassing more than
150,000 troops on Ukraine's borders, as well as the capabilities to conduct a massive military assault. It isn't just us seeing this.
Allies and partners see the same thing. And Russia hasn't only been hearing from us. The international chorus has grown louder and louder. If Russia
doesn't invade Ukraine, then we will be relieved that Russia changed course and proved our predictions wrong that would be a far better outcome than
the course we're currently on.
[11:15:00]
BLINKEN: And we'll gladly accept any criticism that anyone directs at us. As President Biden said, this would be a war of choice and if Russia makes
that choice we've been clear, along with allies and partners, that our response will be sharp and decisive.
President Biden reiterated that forcefully earlier this week. There's another choice Russia can still make if there's any truth to its claim that
is committed to diplomacy. Diplomacy is the only responsible way to resolve this crisis. An essential part of this is through implementation of the
Minsk Agreements the subject of our session today.
There are a series of commitments that Russia and Ukraine made under Minsk, with the OSC and the Normandy format partners involved as well. If Russia
is prepared to sit with the Ukrainian government, and work through the process of implementing these commitments, our friends in France and
Germany stand ready to convene senior level discussions and the Normandy format to settle these issues.
Ukraine is ready for this. And we stand fully ready to support the party's. Progress toward resolving the Donbas crisis through the Minsk Agreement can
reinforce the broader discussions on security issues that were prepared to engage in with Russia, in coordination with our allies and partners.
More than three weeks ago, we provided Russia with a paper that detailed concrete reciprocal steps that we can take in the near term, to address our
respective concerns and advance the collective security interests of Russia, the United States and our European partners and allies.
This morning, we received a response, which we're evaluating. Earlier today, I sent a letter to Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov,
proposing that we meet next week in Europe, following on our talks in recent weeks, to discuss the steps that we can take to resolve this crisis
without conflict.
We're also proposing meetings of the NATO Russia Council, and the OSCE Permanent Council. These meetings can pave the way for a summit of key
leaders in the context of de-escalation, to reach understandings on our mutual security concerns.
As lead diplomats for our nations, we have a responsibility to make every effort for diplomacy to succeed, to leave no diplomatic stone unturned. If
Russia is committed to diplomacy, we're presenting every opportunity for it to demonstrate that commitment.
I have no doubt that the response to my remarks here today will be more dismissals from the Russian government about the United States stoking
hysteria, or that it has no plans to invade Ukraine. So let me make this simple.
The Russian government can announce today with no qualification of equivocation or deflection, that Russia will not invade Ukraine stated
clearly stated plainly to the world, and then demonstrate it by sending your troops, your tanks, your planes, back to their barracks can hangers
and sending your diplomats to the negotiating table.
In the coming days, the world will remember that commitment or the refusal to make it. I yield the floor.
VERSHININ: Yes, thank you. Your Excellency the Secretary of State to the United States, Mr. Blinken and I now give the floor to the Minister of
State for Europe, North America of the United Kingdom and Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Mr. James Cleverly.
JAMES CLEVERLY, BRITISH MINISTER OF STATE FOR EUROPE AND NORTH AMERICA: I thank you and I thank the briefers for the information they've given today.
The United Nations the OSCE and the mandate of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission continued to command our full support.
The rights of all Ukrainian whether they are in Kyiv, Lviv, Donetsk, and Luhansk can only be served by peace, diplomacy, and dialogue. I want to
make absolutely clear the United Kingdom's support for the implementation of the Minsk Agreements, as endorsed by the UN Security Council resolution
2202 that resolution reaffirmed the Security Council's full respect for the sovereignty independence and territorial integrity of Ukraine.
[11:20:00]
CLEVERLY: It remains the responsibility of all parties to implement fully their commitments and to seek a peaceful resolution to the conflict. In
this respect, we condemn the actions taken by the Russian Duma to propose the Russian President recognize the regions of Luhansk and Donetsk as
independent.
This would directly undermine the Minsk Agreement, and must be rejected by the Russian authorities in line with the commitments that they have made.
We welcome all efforts to support the process and to avoid escalation including the role of the OSCE and the Normandy format. This remains our
long standing position.
Mr. President, let us remind ourselves of the context for the Minsk Agreement, and the situation in which Ukraine finds itself today. In March
2014, Russia invaded and illegally annexed Crimea in flagrant violation of international law.
A few weeks later, in April, Russia instigated a conflict in the Donbas, which it continues to fuel today; more than 14,000 people have lost their
lives in the fighting there. Now today, the Ukrainian people are yet again, living under the threat of invasion with well over 130,000 Russian troops,
heavy weaponry, and military vessels are masked and exercising on their northern, eastern and southern borders from Belarus, to the Black Sea.
Let us say clearly what the whole world can see. Russia has deployed the forces necessary to invade Ukraine, and now has been readied for action. In
the past days, we have heard Russian claims that some units are returning to barracks. It is, however, all too clear that the opposite is in fact
true.
And the Russian military buildup continues. Russia will say that it has the right to move its forces within its own territory. But no one has the right
to threaten the use of force. Russia is patently failing to live up to the international commitments that it has made around military transparency by
refusing to adequately explain its military buildup, or provide the necessary transparency to build trust and to de-escalate the situation.
If the Kremlin is serious about a diplomatic resolution, then it needs to show up to the diplomatic meetings and commit to meaningful OSCE talks,
including via Chapter Three of the OSCE Vienna Document. They did not show up on Wednesday, and they do not intend to shop on Friday.
Russia's actions are clearly designed to intimidate, to threaten and to destabilize Ukraine. We know it. They know it. And the international
community knows it. Mr. President, Russia called this meeting today to discuss resolution 2202.
That text is very clear on two points that reflect the core tenets of the charter, emphasized by the United Nations Secretary General when he
addressed the situation only a few days ago. One that resolving the situation in eastern regions of Ukraine can only be achieved by peaceful
means.
And two that there must be full respect for the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Ukraine. Yet, we are seeing increasing
disinformation, about events in the Donbas that are straight out of the Kremlin playbook, a blatant attempt by the Russian government to fabricate
a pretext for the invasion of Ukraine.
It is therefore clear that we are at a critical juncture to prevent further escalation up holding the core tenants of the charter in respect of
peaceful resolution, and respecting sovereignty, sovereignty and territorial integrity has never been more important. Russia must now engage
with the diplomatic process we have built up over several decades and on which global security depends and resolve this situation peaceful means.
[11:25:00]
CLEVERLY: If Russia chooses to launch an attack, at this time of heightened tension, using disinformation of a pretext, it will show that Russia was
never serious about diplomatic engagement. Any Russian invasion now would be a conflict of choice for President Putin an abdication of Russia's
responsibility under the UN Charter, to refrain from the use of force and to maintain international peace and security.
There should be no doubt that any further Russian incursion into Ukraine would be a massive strategic mistake, and a humanitarian disaster that will
be met with strength, including significant coordinated sanctions. And we will continue to call out the pattern of deception and disinformation from
the Russian state.
But if Russia is serious about the charter, and its role as a permanent member of this council, it should give the Minsk Agreement the chance to be
implemented free from coercion, it should engage seriously with diplomacy, and it should stand down all of its troops.
There is still time to change path conflict can be avoided. And we urge Russia to match its words with actions to withdraw its troops to engage
meaningfully in talks and to act in the best interest of peace and security and stability in Europe. Thank you.
VERSHININ: I thank.
BECKY ANDERSON, CNN HOST, CONNECT THE WORLD: Right, that was James Cleverly, the UK representative following Antony Blinken Speaking at the UN
Security Council. Antony Blinken said and I quote him, let me be clear, I'm not - I'm here today not to start a war. But to prevent one a very somber
Secretary of State for the U.S. laying out what the U.S. believes Russia is planning as possible pretext for an invasion of Ukraine be that
conventional or unconventional attacks on Ukraine.
He reminded the room that the UN was founded on a commitment to maintaining international peace and security. The most immediate threat to that peace
and security, he said is Russia's looming threat to Ukraine. He said this crisis directly affects every member of that council and every person in
the world.
He said because every principle enshrined in the wake of the Second World War is at stake. If Russia doesn't invade Ukraine he said the U.S. will be
relieved and we will he said gladly accept any criticism from anyone who chooses to throw criticism at the U.S.
James Cleverly repeating the position of the UK the rights of all Ukrainians can only be served by diplomacy and by dialogue. He said Russia
has deployed the forces necessary to invade Ukraine, and now has him ready for action.
Let's bring in our team here today. Richard Roth is at the UN. And let's just get from you your assessment of what we've just heard Richard.
RICHARD ROTH, CNN SENIOR U.N. CORRESPONDENT: Well, before the UK spoke Russia and the U.S. back to back rather diplomatically calm there was no
showing of satellite photos like the U.S. Ambassador Stevenson in 1962 showed during the Cuban Missile Crisis, we may eventually get to that
point.
Russia said that we should stop don't make this meeting a media circus the date for the supposedly invasion has come and passed. The Secretary of
State Blinken was noting U.S. intelligence failures in the past hint Iraq. And that is what led him then to the next sentence of I'm here not to start
a war to prevent a war.
The Russians did circulate a letter to the Security Council before the meeting alleging war crimes by Ukrainian forces in Eastern Ukraine. Russia
did call for this meeting. Secretary of State Blinken was going to be on a plane at this moment across the Atlantic to Europe.
And U.S. officials decided maybe it'd be better considering where we are in this crisis that he represents the U.S. The U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas
Greenfeld sat behind him and told reporters before the meeting, Blinken was here to show the gravity of the moment the United States and Russia at
loggerheads.
[11:30:00]
ROTH: Once again Russia is the actual president of the Security Council and because they are a permanent member of the Council there's no way any so
called product produced by the Security Council would quickly get approved. The U.S. Secretary of State said Russia; he previewed what he thought the
playbook would be.
There would be so called terrorist attack of mass graves found something like that would be a provocation for Moscow to say we're go - this is why
we entered Ukraine. He notably he did say we'd like to meet with the Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov. He'd like to talk to him in Europe next
week.
We'll see what the Russian response is on that. There's been a lot of talking so far, as everyone waits with bated breath. What's happening at
the border, Becky?
ANDERSON: Thank you, Richard. Let me get to Ukraine and to Brussels. So in both our correspondents have been listening in and what did you make, if
you of what you just heard Sam, from the representatives of particularly the representatives of Ukraine of Russia, and the U.S. and is there
anything new at this point in what we are hearing?
SAM KILEY, CNN SENIOR INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: There's nothing new, but there is a change of tone and a change of emphasis, I think and it's been
built up since Vladimir Putin in that meeting with Olaf Scholz, the German Chancellor the other day, rather offhandedly said, when the German
Chancellor referenced a military intervention to prevent Bosnia collapsing into further genocide of the Bosnian Muslims.
Putin said, well, we've got genocide in the Donbas, a causes Belem under international law. It is a requirement of the international community to
intervene to prevent genocide. This is an argument they've been slowly building up. It's not a new one.
But they've been building up louder. That was the whole issue of NATO. Now, they seem to have switched fire somewhat in their issues when it comes to
Ukraine. And they're now looking much more at this allegation of genocide.
As Richard was saying, they're circulating a document making a series of false allegations about alleged mass graves that have been blamed by the
Russians, potentially, on the Ukrainians inside the rebel held down yet scarier in the east of the country.
This kind of thing we're likely to see a lot more of today, there was an exchange of fire across the front line started, according to the West by
the regime, the Russian backed regime in the East firing into Ukrainian territory, hitting a kindergarten, mercifully, no fatalities.
And then of course, the Ukrainians returned fire this being seen as the sorts of provocation that could result in mass casualties on the Russian
rebel side. And that could suit the argument to make that there's an intervention to prevent further killing of Russians. But they really need
that kind of argument.
If they're going to persuade their own army in Russia to participate in this a war, as the Secretary of State put it of choice.
ANDERSON: Let me bring in Melissa, thank you, Sam. A change in tone certainly is what Sam is suggesting. And I think there will be agreement
with Sam by many, many people who've been aware of not just what's been going on in the last sort of hour or so.
But over the past couple of days from both the Russians and indeed, from the West led today, specifically by the U.S. President and indeed the
Secretary of State your assessment of what you've heard, and the atmosphere in Brussels at present, if you will.
MELISSA BELL, CNN CORRESPONDENT: I think just going back to what we've just been listening to Becky it is that change of pace over the last couple of
hours hearing the Secretary of State Blinken would not be getting on his plane as planned to head to Europe would be delaying that trip in order to
appear at this meeting, a meeting that had been cooled by Russia.
Becky, to talk about that bid by the Russian parliament to have the self- proclaimed separatists of the Donbas region recognized, officially recognized and you're heard there, the Russian Deputy Foreign Minister
speaking about all the breaches as Moscow sees it on, on kid's part of the Minsk Agreement and defending that position.
And this of course, then we heard that from President Biden about this false flag operation that they were beginning to see all of these elements
that they'd expected in something that had almost been scripted for a long time suddenly falling into place.
And ahead of that meeting, the briefing to journalists by the American Ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas Greenfield saying, look,
this false flag operation that we're starting to worry about is what we've been hearing this document referring to something that's been being spoken
about in the Russian press these last few days, these mass graves that have allegedly been found in the Donbas and that Russians are alleging are the
result of mass casualties caused by Ukrainian forces.
That appears to be the false flag operation that Americans are referring to hence that sense of concern about what would come out of the meeting? What
we heard from Biden as he headed off to Cleveland from the White House as we hear a path from Secretary Blinken in that meeting.
[11:35:00]
BELL: As we hear a path from Secretary Blinken in that meeting, his path was very clearly to say to Russia, you have several formats in which you
can sit down and talk to us. First, you need to move your weaponry and your manpower away, and then signal to the world that you're prepared to sit
down at any number of those tables, and start the conversation Becky.
ANDERSON: Melissa, Sam and Richard, for the time being thank you very much indeed for helping us out. I'm going to take a very short break back with
the Romanian Foreign Minister after this.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
ANDERSON: You're watching "Connect the World". I'm Becky Anderson it is 25 to 9 here in the UAE. NATO has been strengthening its presence in Eastern
Europe because you will be well aware to bolster the blocks eastern flank that is one of Vladimir Putin's reasons for his aggressive military stance
at present.
Well Romania would find itself in the middle of any fighting. It shares a 600 kilometer border with Ukraine and would be one of NATO's bases of
operation for defending Ukraine against Russian aggression.
Well, the U.S. sends 2000 troops there and NATO has twice that there are fears fighting in neighboring Ukraine may spill into the country. Well, the
Russian President sees the troop movements as a provocation which Romania's Foreign Minister denies saying if you compare the allied presence on the
eastern flank to the troops, Russia has amassed it is several times smaller. So there is no question of an attempt to escalate tensions.
Let's bring in that Foreign Minister. He joins us now from Bucharest and before we talk about what is going on in your country. We thank you for
joining us. I just want to get your response to what we've just heard from the U.S. Foreign Secretary the Secretary of State Antony Blinken who on the
floor of the Chamber at the UN Security Council said this and I quote him.
Let me be clear, I am here today not to start a war but to prevent one. He went on, though to say or to lay out what the U.S. believes Russia is
planning as possible pretexts for an invasion. Do you share the U.S. President's concerns that any further attack on Ukraine could come in the
next several days?
BOGDAN AURESCU, ROMANIAN FOREIGN MINISTER: Well, thank you so much for having me. I have followed with great attention the intervention of my
colleague and friend Tony Blinken in the Security Council. And I could say that I support his presentation and the assessment that he has presented
before the Security Council.
And I think the security situation right now looks very worrisome. And indeed, despite the declarations by the Russian side that they are ready to
dialogue and that they have withdrawn troops from the eastern border of Ukraine.
[11:40:00]
AURESCU: Well, this was not confirmed in reality this is not confirmed on the ground. At the same time, we have seen that the Russian Duma has
proposed to the President of Russia to recognize as independent entities, the separatist provinces in Ukraine, and this is, if this happens, this
would be a clear violation of international law because no illegal situation in international law should be recognized.
Then, we have noticed the fact that President Putin used the term genocide during the press conference with the Chancellor of Germany a couple of days
ago. And at the same time, we have noticed today the shell attacks in Eastern Ukraine indeed; it looks like there is a preparation or a buildup a
building of a pretext for attack for invasion.
And this is, of course, unacceptable, and then today, we have noticed the fact that the Minister Lavrov has forwarded the reply of the Russian side,
the proposals which were forwarded on the 26th of January by the United States, Romania was involved in the preparation of that paper of the United
States.
But at the same time, what should have been a gesture of openness to dialogue was accompanied by declaring the Deputy Chief of Mission of the
U.S. Embassy in Moscow as a persona non grata. So the overall picture is, is quite worrisome.
ANDERSON: Let's talk about the announcement then by the NATO Chief that a French lead battle group could be sent to Romania. Can you provide us any
further details on the size and scope of any further deployment to your country and when you expect those soldiers to arrive?
AURESCU: Well, I think it's a very important process of creation of this battle group, which has started during the defense ministerial yesterday in
Brussels. As announced by Secretary General Stoltenberg yesterday, the Defense Ministers decided to develop options for strengthening the NATO's
deterrence and defense posture, including by establishing new battle groups.
And one of these battle groups could be established in Romania we have offered to be a host nation of this battle group.
ANDERSON: Right.
AURESCU: We have welcomed the announcement by President Macron that France would serve as a framework nation for this battle group. And this process
will unfold in the following weeks and we will hopefully have a battle group in Romania.
ANDERSON: Right.
AURESCU: So far I'm being I cannot give you exact details about the size and the composition of this battle group. But we have welcomed a very the
announcement by France to deploy troops in Romania as part of this battle group.
ANDERSON: So I'm just wondering what sort of size of battle group you'd be comfortable with because these, of course would be in addition to the
recent arrival of 1000 American soldiers and recent offers by the UK, U.S. and others of ships and of planes to reinforce NATO's Eastern flank.
Look Jen Stoltenberg describes Romania as a strong and committed ally. As a NATO ally, how big a threat is Russia to Romania at this point?
AURESCU: We have welcomed very much the announcement by President Biden and then the actual deployment of the Stryker battalion from Germany to Romania
and Secretary Stoltenberg visited Romania last week on Friday, to welcome the first American soldiers on the Romanian soil.
This is a very positive development in ensuring that the defense and deterrence posture on the eastern flank is consolidated. And we hope that
this battle group which will be created in Romania will have the same composition and size as the battle groups which are already created. And
they're functional in the northern part of the eastern flank in Poland and in the Baltic States.
And we would welcome any presence of other allies joining the French troops, possibly also the American troops, which might be associated with
this battle group as well, to this NATO formation in Romania.
ANDERSON: Let me ask you this sir, because Russia recently issued ultimatums to NATO States to withdraw forces from Eastern Europe. Are you
confident that this is an alliance that is united NATO that will have Romanians back in the face of these ultimatums from Russia?
AURESCU: Absolutely. This proposal is by demands by Russia were already rejected by the allies during the - including during the discussion in the
NATO Russia Council on the 12th of January.
[11:45:00]
AURESCU: Because any kind of third party veto on what is very much linked to the core mission of NATO, which is collective self-defense is
unacceptable. This would affect Article Five itself, which is the backbone of, of the alliance.
We cannot allow for having two kinds of allies first class and second class allies, the allies on the eastern flank without any kind of, well, actual
troops and equipment from other allies on their territories. This is unacceptable, it was already rejected. And NATO is very much united and
solid as we speak.
ANDERSON: There are many experts who say that, you know, what has been going on has been partly an attempt by Russia by President Putin himself to
drive a wedge between Europeans and the bloc, and NATO, and NATO as an entire block, including the United States.
In an interview with the FT Today, the French Foreign Minister, your counterpart in France has called for a European security shakeups saying
the current framework is "Nearly obsolete". And he says it risks allowing Russia becoming to become a permanent threat. I just wonder, Is this the
new normal in Europe a state of permanent tension? That's certainly something that the NATO Chief is concerned about, do you share that
concern?
AURESCU: Well, I share this concern. And that's why NATO is taking measures to consolidate its posture and to consolidate the security of all allies.
And the fact that we are discussing about the consolidation of the eastern flank in a unitary manner, and we are able to take decisions in that
regard, as it was witnessed during this defense ministerial these days.
I think it speaks volumes about how united the alliance is? And the fact that within the European Union, we are trying to develop also security
dimension, this should be seen and this is a greatest, such to be seen as complementary to what NATO does.
Nobody can replace NATO in terms of ensuring collective defense and security in Europe and in the Euro Atlantic area as a whole. Europe can do
more in support of what NATO does, but it cannot replace NATO as an alliance.
ANDERSON: With that, sir, I'm going to have to leave it there. I've got to take a break. But it's been very good to have you on. Thank you very much.
It's an important day you laid out why extremely eloquently; we'll have you back meantime, the best from us. We're going to take a very short break
back after this.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
ANDERSON: Well, disappointment for Russian Figure Skater Kamila Valieva. She finished fourth in the women's freestyle skate final in Beijing. Now
this 15-year-old Of course, as you will be well aware by now is at the center of a doping scandal after she tested positive for a banned
substance.
Now two of her Russian teammates won gold and silver in the event that means that the medal ceremony will actually take place. The IOC Of course,
warned it will be delayed if Valieva had finished in the top three. My colleague CNN Correspondent Selina Wang was at that event she's in Beijing
and she joins us now.
[11:50:00]
ANDERSON: I've got to start by saying you know I know she had a torrid time of it. Let's remind people she is a 15-year-old. Just tell us what happened
today at that free skate final?
SELINA WANG, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Becky, it was heartbreaking in sitting there in the stadium is hard to watch. I mean, as you say, this is a 15-
year-old child; she walked into this event as the favorite to win gold considered one of the best skaters in the world.
She was the first woman to land a quad jump at the Olympics last week and then over the course of the week with the doping allegations, the scandal.
You just saw her slowly, slowly get more and more weighed down by that controversy.
And she stumbled multiple times during her performance she did not look like she was enjoying it. And at the end, she broke down into tears. She
walked off of that ice rink with her head in her hands and she immediately grabbed on her stuffed animal. And she was embracing her coach, a major
disappointment for her.
This again is really shining a light on what many say is what she is a victim of a state sponsored system of doping in Russia? That is what some
critics are saying. And in addition to that, it's also shined a light on the criticism of the Russian system of figure skating that she's a part of
in which they have these brutal trading regimens.
Her coach is infamous for these incredibly long hours of training, and these are incredibly young girls putting huge mental pressure on them and
also lasting physical damage Becky.
ANDERSON: Selina Wang is in Beijing Selina, thank you. Well, rising tennis star Cori "Coco" Gauff has sadly crashed out of the Dubai duty free
tournament. She lost in doubles just a few hours ago was defeated in singles on Monday.
She's struggled to find her fitting quite frankly, this year after being eliminated in the first round of the Australian Open last month. But a
meteoric rise in the world of tennis has been nothing short of extraordinary and she recently told me she is determined as ever to keep
pushing forward despite the immense pressure of being a well superstar professional athlete.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
BECKY (voice over): She shot to fame in 2019, defeating tennis legend Venus Williams in the first round at Wimbledon, when she was just 15-years-old.
Two short years later, Cori "Coco" Gauff was on our way to the Grand Slam quarterfinals at the French Open.
BECKY (on camera): You became the youngest American player to reach a Grand Slam quarterfinal since Venus William in 1997. What did you learn about
your game last year?
CORI "COCO" GAUFF, TENNIS STAR: I learned that I was capable of winning a Grand Slam. And basically when you make a quarterfinal of slam that means
you're the one of the top eight players in the world at that time. So I knew that I that I'm capable. And hopefully I can get an even better result
next time.
BECKY (on camera): There have been lots of comparisons about you and the Williams sisters, of course, still inspired by them. Do they still rock as
far as you're concerned?
GAUFF: Yes.
BECKY (on camera): Tell me why?
GAUFF: Definitely for me, I'm inspired by both of them. And I would say, I don't know, I just think not only their games, but how they handle
themselves off the court is something that I look up to. And for me, there's not much representation of people that look like me in the sport.
So for me as a young girl, just seeing them dominate and do it so elegantly kind of just inspired me.
BECKY (voice over): For "Coco", her rise to the limelight has taken the pressures of being an athlete to a whole new level.
GAUFF: I try my best not to think about what other people expect from me, but it's definitely, I guess, a difference when you know, people expect you
to win and compared to when you know, you're kind of the underdog and I found myself, you know, as I continue to win and continue to win matches,
you know, it wasn't so much of a shock that I was winning, people were more like OK, she's going to win and then when I will lose people will be more
disappointed than before.
BECKY (voice over): But Gauff says she hasn't shied away from using her fame to raise awareness about issues she cares about. In the summer of
2020, United States was gripped by racial reckoning in the wake of the murder of George Floyd at the hands of police and Gauff to the streets of
her hometown.
GAUFF: Why am I here at 16 still demanding change?
BECKY (on camera): How seriously do you take your responsibility as a celebrity whose behavior of course is watched by you know this legion of
fans?
GAUFF: It's not so much a responsibility like I feel like that's just me and that's like my identity.
[11:55:00]
GAUFF: So I want to stand up for people who look like me and feel like they don't have a voice and I'm just kind of try to hold myself to what I want
my brothers to be a role model for my brothers. I would say their opinion on me probably matters more than to me than anyone's in the world.
BECKY (on camera): And let's have a bit of a knock.
GAUFF: Sure.
BECKY (voice over): And while balancing family life and being a teen tennis star doesn't lead to much downtime. She and I did get the opportunity for
some fun and games on the sidelines of the recent Dubai Duty Free Open. And though I may not be ranked, I can still look around with the best of them.
BECKY (on camera): OK, any tips?
GAUFF: I would say you're pretty good at the net.
BECKY (voice over): And to other young athletes around the world looking up to her.
GAUFF: If you're not doing it for yourself then don't waste your time doing it every day is a chance to improve the sun goes up and down every day and
you want to make sure you spend make the time that matters in between the most.
BECKY (on camera): Sorry I know it's probably the sun but you know getting your eyes--
GAUFF: You're better than me guys.
BECKY (on camera): What can I do? What can I do? Thank you very much.
GAUFF: Thank you very much.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
ANDERSON: She is not even 18 yet, 18 next month. Happy Birthday to her ahead of time! That's it from us tonight "One World" is next don't go away.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
END
