On the morning of Tuesday, May 14, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Kyiv. The purpose of the visit is to demonstrate solidarity in the context of recent packages of military aid for the needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, according to Reuters.
Reuters reminded that this visit is the first since the approval by Congress at the end of April of the long-awaited military aid package to Ukraine totaling $61 billion.
The visit is intended to demonstrate US solidarity with Ukraine, whose Defense Forces are trying to repel the Russian advance and mass bombardments on the northeastern border with Russia in the Kharkiv region.
An American official from the delegation, who spoke to journalists on condition of anonymity, noted that Blinken arrived in Kyiv early in the morning and hopes to send a strong signal of reassurance to Ukrainians, who are clearly in a very difficult situation.
"The Secretary's mission here is really to talk about how our supplemental assistance is going to be executed in a fashion to help shore up their defenses (and) enable them to increasingly take back the initiative on the battlefield," the official said.
He added that the artillery, long-range missiles known as ATACMS and air defense interceptors approved by President Joe Biden on April 24 were already reaching the Ukrainian force.
Meanwhile, Blinken commented on his visit on the social media platform X.
"I returned to Kyiv today to demonstrate our unwavering support for Ukraine as they defend their freedom against Russian aggression," wrote the US Secretary of State.
I returned to Kyiv today to demonstrate our unwavering support for Ukraine as they defend their freedom against Russian aggression. pic.twitter.com/7ruIw6GgVd
— Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) May 14, 2024
US military aid
Anthony Blinken last visited Ukraine in September of last year. At that time, the official held meetings with the country's political leadership.
Last week, the US allocated a $400 million military aid package to Ukraine. It included missiles for Patriot, NASAMS, Stinger anti-aircraft missiles, ammunition for HIMARS and artillery, and more.
The White House has already announced a new aid package for Ukraine.
Victoria Nuland, former US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, announced that in the summer, the US will provide Ukraine with more long-range weapons.