Blinken arrives in Ukraine amid escalation on the frontline: what is the purpose of the Secretary of State's visit?
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US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken has made his first visit to Ukraine since Congress passed a 61bn-dollar military aid package for Kiev. Find out what the US official talked to President Zelenskyy about and why he came to Ukraine
US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken arrived in Ukraine on Tuesday, 14 May, where he met with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The US politician noted that military aid for Kyiv is "on the way" and will be "crucial" at the frontline.
During his conversation with Zelenskyy, Blinken also stressed that some of the recently allocated US aid has already arrived in Ukraine, but more will come over time.
"We are determined, along with many other partners of Ukraine, to make sure that you succeed on the battlefield," he said.
At the same time, the Ukrainian president added that it is important to deliver the weapons as soon as possible and noted that Ukraine needs air defence, with air defence systems being particularly needed in Kharkiv.
"Let's demand two Patriots for Kharkiv and the region, because people there are under attack, they are very worried about it," the president said.
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The purpose of Blinken's visit
Upon arrival in Kyiv, the Secretary of State himself told reporters that the purpose of the visit was "a powerful signal of support for Ukrainians who are going through a very difficult time because of the fight on the eastern front and the new russian offensive in Kharkiv region".
It is worth noting that during his bilateral conversation with Zelenskyy, Blinken most likely touched upon the topic of military aid and how it would help strengthen Ukraine's defence and allow Ukraine to regain the initiative on the battlefield.
"We've already started sending artillery and long-range ATACMS, which have a range that covers all of Ukraine, as well as other air defence equipment that is designed to meet immediate needs, especially given russia's actions right now in the Kharkiv region," the US official told the media.
According to The Wall Street Journal, during his visit to Kyiv, Blinken will discuss the details of the use of the new US military aid. As you know, this is the first visit of a senior US official to Ukraine since the Congress passed a $61 billion military aid package last month.
We wrote that the russian army has launched a new offensive in the Kharkiv region. According to the military, the invaders are trying to force Ukraine to withdraw troops from the eastern front to protect the Kharkiv region, where the enemy has deployed limited forces but still continues to attack the Ukrainian army's positions.
We remind you! After a long break, the United States allocates the first major military aid package for Ukraine. US President Joe Biden has already signed the funding document. What the new package will include and when the arms deliveries will start, we told you here.
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