Blinken says no Russia-Ukraine peace possible until Kyiv can defend itself and Putin pulls his troops out

Training for the frontlines of war in Ukraine Training for the frontlines of war in Ukraine Kyiv, Ukraine — U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Friday that “meaningful” talks over ending the war in Ukraine wouldn’t be possible until the country was capable of defending itself, and that no “just and lasting” peace could be achieved unless it involved Russia’s military withdrawal from occupied Ukrainian territory. “A cease-fire that simply freezes current lines in place,” which would allow Russian President Vladimir Putin “to consolidate control over the territory he has seized, and rest, rearm, and reattack — that is…