Video: Blinken visits Ukraine, pledging US backing amid Russian offensive

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken made a surprise visit to Kyiv on Tuesday to reinforce America’s commitment to Ukraine amidst its ongoing struggle against escalating Russian aggression.

Blinken’s visit occurred shortly after Congress approved a significant foreign aid package for Ukraine, totaling $60 billion. This funding is primarily aimed at replenishing Ukraine’s depleted military resources, including artillery and air defense systems.

This marks Blinken’s fourth journey to Kyiv since Russia’s invasion began in February 2022. During this trip, he aims to reaffirm the Biden administration’s dedication to supporting Ukraine’s defense and ensuring its long-term security. According to U.S. officials, following President Joe Biden’s approval of the aid package, the U.S. has already dispatched $1.4 billion in immediate military aid and promised an additional $6 billion for more sustained support.

Jake Sullivan, the U.S. National Security Adviser, emphasized the rapid pace at which the U.S. is delivering military aid to Ukraine, rating the effort as extremely high.

Artillery pieces, air defense systems, and long-range ballistic missiles are among the equipment already delivered, with some reaching the front lines, a senior U.S. official noted while traveling with Blinken from Poland by train overnight.

Blinken is set to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and other top officials to discuss updates on the battlefield and the implications of the new U.S. aid. The discussions will also cover long-term security and strategies to bolster Ukraine’s economic recovery, according to a State Department statement released after Blinken’s arrival.

Concerns have arisen in Kyiv and Europe due to delays in U.S. assistance, exacerbated by the U.S. administration’s focus on the Israel-Hamas conflict. Since that conflict began in October, Blinken has visited the Middle East seven times, with his previous trip to Kyiv occurring in September.

In his upcoming speech, Blinken plans to highlight Ukraine’s strategic successes in the conflict, countering his address last year in Helsinki, which criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin’s strategic missteps.

Amid the ongoing conflict, Russian forces have intensified their attacks, particularly as U.S. aid was stalled in Congress, leading to a pause in most U.S. support. These intensified Russian attacks aim to capitalize on Ukrainian shortages in manpower and weapons.

Ukrainian commanders and analysts indicate that the Kremlin is attempting to exploit this vulnerable period before new batches of military aid from the U.S. and European allies reach Ukrainian forces.

Despite recent challenges, Ukraine has managed to reclaim about 50% of the territories initially captured by Russian forces, improving its economic status and enhancing its transport and trade capabilities, especially through military victories in the Black Sea.

Acknowledging the difficult situation, the senior U.S. official emphasized that the incoming Western aid should bolster Ukrainian confidence and capability in facing Russian advances.

Blinken, in a recent interview, admitted that the delay in aid posed challenges but affirmed that the U.S. is expediting the assistance as rapidly as possible. He stressed the ongoing commitment of the U.S. and its allies, countering any notions that Putin could outlast Ukraine and its international support network.