Russian President Vladimir Putin is “trying to weaponize winter” with the goal of making Ukrainian civilians suffer, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Sunday.
The Russian military’s failures on the battlefield in Ukraine have forced Mr. Putin to engage in a strategy aimed at trying to cripple the Ukrainian energy grid as the coldest months of winter ensue, Mr. Blinken said.
Appearing on CBS’ “Face the Nation,” the secretary of state said Mr. Putin has responded to recent overtures for peace negotiations — including from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenkskyy — by escalating Russia’s campaign against Ukrainian civilians.