NewsCIA chief's covert visit to Ukraine? Signals continued US support amid conflict fears

CIA chief's covert visit to Ukraine? Signals continued US support amid conflict fears

On Thursday, February 22nd, William J. Burns, the head of the CIA, made a discreet visit to Ukraine as reported by "The New York Times". The visit was enveloped in secrecy.

WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 02: CIA Director William Burns participates in a discussion on "Addressing the Global Threat Landscape," during an event as part of the Trainor Award ceremony at Georgetown Hotel and Conference Center on February 2, 2023 in Washington, DC. Burns was presented at the event with the J. Raymond “Jit” Trainor Award in recognition of being "an outstanding practitioner for distinction in the conduct of diplomacy." (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)

Images source: © GETTY | Alex Wong

AZY

6:22 AM EST, February 26, 2024

As per"NYT", there's a growing concern among Ukrainians that the US might hold back funding for Kiev's military purposes. Some Republicans in Congress are very critical of the aid being provided to Ukraine. A few have suggested that the United States might pull out abruptly, as was seen in Afghanistan, which has left Kiev worrying about such a withdrawal from their own country.

CIA provides assurance to Ukrainians

The trip marked by Burns - his 10th since the start of the war - was intended to reassure Ukrainian authorities and emphasize that the US's support for their country will indeed continue.

One anonymous source from the "NYT" in the CIA stated, "For many years, we've demonstrated a tangible commitment to Ukraine, and this visit was a further robust signal that the US's commitment is ongoing."