Blinken arrived in Ukraine for the first time on a two-day visit to discuss the current state of the counteroffensive and further cooperation between the countries. Find out more about what good news for Ukraine (and bad news for russia) the US Secretary of State brought with him

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Anthony Blinken came to Ukraine for the third time since the beginning of russia's full-scale invasion, but this is his first two-day visit to Kyiv. The US Secretary of State's visit coincided with the active phase of the Ukrainian counteroffensive. According to the Ukrainian authorities and Blinken himself, this visit is very symbolic for the country, and most importantly, it is a loud signal that the United States stands and will continue to stand in support of Ukraine.

So, what was the significance of the US Secretary of State's visit to Kyiv and what good news for Ukraine (and bad news for russia) did Anthony Blinken bring with him?

The US sees progress in the counteroffensive

During a meeting with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, Blinken said that the significant progress in the counteroffensive seen by Western allies is encouraging.

"We want to make sure that Ukraine has everything it needs not only to succeed in the counteroffensive, but also for the long term. That it has a strong deterrent, a strong defense capability, so that such aggressions do not happen again in the future," the US Secretary of State added.

In addition, Blinken noted that even during his third visit to Ukraine, he remains impressed by the extraordinary bravery and resilience of the Ukrainian people, the Armed Forces and the leadership of Ukraine.

New financial and military assistance from the United States

During the press conference with the Foreign Minister, Blinken also announced that Ukraine will receive a new aid package totaling more than $1 billion.

"Today we are announcing a new aid package with a budget of more than $1 billion. It will include $665 million for civilian security. In total, since the beginning of the Russian aggression, we have transferred more than $43 billion in aid. Since last year, since I was here a year ago, Ukrainian forces have recaptured more than 50% of the occupied territories... These additional funds will significantly strengthen air defense in particular," said Anthony Blinken.

In addition, prior to the Secretary of State's visit to Ukraine, the US government announced another $175 million aid package for Ukraine. It will include:

- 120-mm depleted uranium tank shells for Abrams tanks;

- equipment for air defense systems;

- additional ammunition for HIMARS;

- 155-mm and 105-mm artillery ammunition;

- 81-mm mortar systems and ammunition;

- TOW heavy anti-tank guided missiles, as well as Javelin and AT-4 anti-tank systems;

- more than 3 million rounds of ammunition for small arms;

- tactical air navigation systems, as well as secure communication systems with auxiliary equipment;

- ammunition to destroy obstacles, spare parts and other field equipment.

It is worth noting that this will be the first transfer of depleted uranium shells for Abrams from the United States. The tanks themselves are expected to arrive in Ukraine in mid-September. Read more about the effectiveness and features of depleted uranium ammunition, and most importantly, why moscow is so concerned about their transfer, here.

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Confiscation of russian property: Ukraine to receive first assets

For the first time since the beginning of the full-scale invasion of russia, the United States will transfer assets confiscated from russian oligarchs under sanctions to Ukraine. During a joint press conference with Dmytro Kuleba, Blinken emphasized that "those who contributed to putin's aggressive war must pay for it."

The transferred assets will be used to support and rehabilitate Ukrainian military veterans. It is about 5.4 million dollars.

"My message today, on behalf of President Biden, to the Ukrainian people is this: just as we have stood by you to ensure the survival of your nation over the past 20 months, we will stand by you as you define your future and rebuild a free, vibrant, prosperous Ukraine," Anthony Blinken concluded.

What is known about Anthony Blinken's meeting with Volodymyr Zelenskyy?

In the evening of September 6, Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Anthony Blinken discussed the needs and long-term support for Ukraine. In addition, the leaders discussed further ways to implement the Ukrainian peace formula, the current state of the counteroffensive, and the need to protect Ukraine's skies.

The President of Ukraine also emphasized his gratitude to the United States for the assistance and support provided to the country. 

We remind you! Ukraine continues to hospitably welcome foreign guests even during the war, and despite the threats from russia, it fascinates people who come from other continents. Read about the journey of our 78-year-old tourist from America on the eve of Ukraine's Independence Day in our previous article.

Photo: president.gov.ua

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