Blinken cautions against rewarding Russian aggression in peace efforts.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned against any peace initiatives that could legitimize Russia's seizure of Ukrainian territory, saying a "just and durable" peace effort should address accountability and reconstruction. Blinken said any peace effort requires Ukraine's "full participation and assent" and should support Ukraine's reconstruction and recovery, with Moscow paying its share. He added that a ceasefire that simply freezes current lines in place and enables Putin to consolidate control over the territory he seized would legitimize Russia's land grab, reward the aggressor, and punish the victim.