Blinken vows to escalate sanctions on Russia but warns war could last ‘some time’

Speaking from Moldova, US secretary of state warns Russia holds military advantage that western allies are finding hard to counter

• US in active discussion' with allies to ban Russian oil imports

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken issued a pledge on Sunday to increase pressure on Russia through sanctions and provide more aid to Ukraine, but warned that Russia held a military advantage that western allies are finding hard to counter and the war was set to last some time".

Vladimir Putin has, unfortunately, the capacity with the sheer manpower he has in Ukraine and overmatch he has, the ability to keep grinding things down against incredibly resilient and courageous Ukrainians. I think we have to be prepared for this to last for some time," Blinken told CNN.