KYIV: U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken promised Ukraine the unconditional support of the United States during his visit to Kyiv.
“We are with you today. And we will stay by your side until Ukraine’s security, sovereignty, its ability to choose its own path, is guaranteed,” Blinken said, according to Reuters.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked the U.S. for what he called a “crucial package” of aid, as he hosted talks with Blinken.
Congress approved and U.S. President Joe Biden signed last month a $61 billion aid package to Ukraine.
Military aid from Washington is “going to make a real difference against the ongoing Russian aggression on the battlefield,” Blinken told Zelenskyy.
Blinken arrived in the country hours earlier on an unannounced trip to deliver what U.S. officials called a “strong message of reassurance” at a time when Ukrainian forces are facing significant attacks by Russia’s military in eastern Ukraine and are awaiting the arrival of new weapons shipments from allies to help with defense.
“I returned to Kyiv today to demonstrate our unwavering support for Ukraine as they defend their freedom against Russian aggression,” Blinken said on the social media site X.
Zelenskyy told Blinken his visit comes during a “tough period for the east of our country.”
(VOA)
Comment