Russian President Vladimir Putin’s war in Ukraine was a “strategic failure” for Russia, US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said in Helsinki on Friday, as quoted by AFP and Reuters.

“(Putin’s war of aggression) was a strategic failure that significantly reduced Russia’s military, economic and diplomatic power and influence for years to come,” he said in a speech at the new NATO member’s headquarters.

The United States has become more aware of the Chinese “threat” since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which has not “distracted” it from its growing rivalry with Beijing, Blinken said.

“Our support for Ukraine has not weakened our ability to respond to a potential threat from China or from another side – it has strengthened it,” he emphasized.

Blinken said the United States is working with Ukraine and other allies to reach consensus on the basic elements of a “just and durable peace” to end the war with Russia.

Washington will also encourage other countries’ initiatives to end the conflict if they respect the UN Charter and the sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence of Ukraine.

“We will support the efforts – of Brazil, China or any other country – if they help find a path to a just and lasting peace,” a senior US official said.

The US will help build the “Ukrainian army of the future”

Blinken also said that the US will help build the “Ukrainian army of the future.”

This means “a modern air force, integrated air and missile defense, advanced tanks and armored vehicles, a national capability to produce munitions, and training and support to maintain forces and assets in combat readiness.”

This week, the top US diplomat visited Finland, Norway and Sweden.

The Nordic region is becoming increasingly important from a strategic point of view, with Finland recently joining NATO and Sweden also trying to join the Western Military Alliance.