Blinken visits Ukraine as Russia gets ready for new maneuver
Secretary of State Anthony Blinken paid an unannounced visit to Ukraine to support President Zelensky since Russia is advancing to the new offense.
Secretary Blinken's friendly visit occurred in the spirit of Ukrainians facing a new challenge—the Russian offense. During his visit, the Secretary of State proclaimed the United States' friendly approach and assured financial support for Ukraine. According to Secretary Blinken, helping Ukraine is still one of President Biden's priorities despite the current delay in military aid.
Secretary Blinken is the first official American diplomat to visit Ukraine after President Biden signed a $61 million bill providing Ukraine with a military aid package. After several months of delay in providing Ukraine with military help, Russia gained an advantage on the battlefield.
Russia has advanced from the northeastern Ukrainian border, resulting in the rapid evacuation of the thousands of citizens living on the outskirts of Kharkiv.
American-Ukrainian relations
President Zelensky expressed his gratitude for Secretary Blinken's visit and friendly gestures, such as performing on the scene with local rock band 19.99. Yet he emphasized the need for the Ukrainian army to receive support, especially from the air forces, underscoring the role of patriot missile batteries. As President Zelensky noted, the missiles would be particularly beneficial with the Russian attack on Kharkiv. On Monday, US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan promised the White House would try to hasten the "tempo of deliveries."
During the policy speech at Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute, Secretary Blinken acknowledged the delay in the military support. However, he ensured that "We are with you today. And we will stay by your side until Ukraine's security, sovereignty, and ability to choose its own path are guaranteed." He added to Ukrainians' reassuring message that "you are not alone." Nevertheless, it may be questioned if President Biden's administration is entirely focused on supporting Ukraine, with Israel-Hamas preoccupying both the White House and American media. Blinken has visited Gaza seven times since October 2023, while last visited Kyiv in September 2023.
Putin is ramping up yet another offensive against Ukraine in Kharkiv and across the east, sending wave after wave of Russian soldiers, Iranian drones, North Korean artillery, and tanks, missiles and fighter jets built with machines and parts supplied by China.
Putin to meet Xi Jinping
On Thursday, President Putin will start his two-day visit to China. ABC News reports that the two leaders will discuss "cooperation in various fields of bilateral relations ... as well as international and regional issues of common concern." No further information has yet been disclosed publicly.
Source: NBC News
