Blinken's surprise Kyiv visit bolsters US support amid Ukraine strife
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Kyiv on Tuesday. The unannounced visit follows the United States Congress' approval last month of a delayed military aid package for Ukraine worth approximately £52 billion.
The previously undisclosed trip aims to demonstrate the United States' solidarity with Ukraine, which is attempting to fend off intense Russian assaults on its northeastern border, as pointed out by Reuters.
"Strong signal of reassurance to the Ukrainians"
Antony Blinken, who reached Kyiv by train early in the morning, seeks "a strong signal of reassurance to the Ukrainians," according to an American official who spoke to reporters travelling with Blinken under the condition of anonymity.
- The secretary’s mission here is really to talk about how our supplemental assistance is going to be executed in a fashion that helps shore up their defenses, enable them to increasingly take back the initiative on the battlefield looking forward, the official noted.
Missiles now in Ukraine
A Reuters source reported that the artillery, long-range missiles known as ATACMS, and air defence systems authorized by President Joe Biden on April 24 have already been delivered to Ukrainian forces.
Kyiv has been lagging on the battlefield for months, chiefly due to the slow advance of Russian troops, especially in the Donetsk region in the south. This is compounded by Ukraine's shortages of personnel and ammunition. Russian forces have a significant advantage in terms of workforce and munitions.
"The delay put Ukraine in a hole"
On Monday, U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan mentioned that Washington is endeavouring to hasten the pace of arms deliveries to Ukraine to help reverse the adverse situation.
- The delay put Ukraine in a hole and we’re trying to help them to get out of that hole as rapidly as possible, Jake Sullivan stated, adding that a new batch of weapons for Ukraine will be announced this week.
