Blinken derides Russian claims of Ukraine aggression

"That's a little bit like the fox saying it had no choice but to attack the henhouse, because somehow the hens presented a threat to it," Blinken said.

His remarks came after a meeting with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, where the two said they discussed the status of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline.

Blinken reaffirmed Washington's commitment to work with Germany to prevent Russia from using energy as a weapon and noted that the pipeline does not currently supply any fuel to Europe.

"Some may see Nord Stream 2 as leverage that Russia can use against Europe. In fact, it's leverage for Europe to use against Russia."