US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has arrived in Kyiv. The purpose of the visit is to show solidarity over the latest military aid packages provided to the AFU.
Reuters recalls that Blinken’s visit to Kyiv was the first since the US Congress approved the long-awaited military aid package in late April. The visit underscores the US solidarity with Ukraine, whose defense forces are trying to repel the occupiers’ offensive and massive bombardment on the northeastern border of the Kharkiv region.
A US official from the delegation, who spoke to reporters anonymously, noted that Blinken arrived in Kyiv by train. He said he hoped the visit would send a “strong message of calm” to Ukrainians who are in a difficult situation.
“The secretary of state’s mission here is to explain that our assistance will be delivered in a way that will strengthen Ukraine’s defenses and help it take the initiative on the battlefield,” the official said.
He also noted that the artillery, long-range missiles, and air defense systems that President Biden approved on April 24 are already being delivered to the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
Blinken will also discuss “other steps we are taking to provide Ukrainians with long-term security guarantees and commitments, including our bilateral security agreement,” he added.
