Antony Blinken unexpectedly travels to Ukraine
On Tuesday, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken unexpectedly showed up in Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine.
According to US Department of State spokesperson Matthew Miller, “Blinken arrived in Ukraine today to meet with senior Ukrainian officials and highlight the United States’ enduring support for Ukraine.”
“Discuss battlefield updates, the impact of new US security and economic assistance, long-term security and other commitments, and ongoing work to bolster Ukraine’s economic recovery,” Miller continued. Blinken will meet with President Volodymyr Zelensky, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, and Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba while in Ukraine.
The event “will emphasise America’s commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and democracy in the face of Russia’s ongoing aggression,” Miller said.
Given that Kyiv is presently dealing with a fresh onslaught in the northeast of the nation, this is Blinken’s fourth visit to the city since the Russian invasion of the country in February 2022.
The US government announced last week that it would be providing Kyiv with an additional $400 million in military aid. This aid would consist of ammunition for the Patriot air defense system, more ammunition for HIMARS multiple rocket launchers, Stinger anti-aircraft missiles, and artillery ammunition in 155 and 105 millimeter calibres.
Following months of internal political impasse, the US Congress authorized billions in assistance for Ukraine at the end of April, opening the door for fresh weaponry supplies. Aid for Kyiv of about $61 billion is provided under the law.
