According to Sky News, US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken ridiculed the Russian army as “the second strongest in Ukraine” in terms of capabilities.

The remark, made during a press conference in Helsinki, refers to the Kremlin’s past claims that Russia has the “second most powerful army in the world”.

This is a statement that “many believed,” he said.

“Today, many people consider the Russian army the second strongest in Ukraine – its equipment, technologies, leadership, troops, strategy, tactics and morale,” the American diplomat noted.

Blinken said Moscow’s army was “an example of failure”, recording 100,000 deaths “in the last six months alone”.

Russia’s invasion, a “strategic failure”

“(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 top US diplomat has previously said there can be no ceasefire in the conflict unless it is part of a “fair and robust” peace deal that involves the withdrawal of Moscow’s forces from Ukraine.

“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.

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.”