Blinken’s Ukraine Visit Overshadowed by Fatal Market Strike
TL/DR –
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is set to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in Kyiv to provide support to Ukraine’s four-month long counteroffensive against Russia. Blinken is expected to announce a new US wartime assistance package amounting to over $1 billion. This visit was overshadowed by a Russian attack on the eastern Ukrainian city of Kostiantynivka that resulted in at least 16 deaths.
Blinken Meets Zelenskiy in Kyiv as Ukraine Counteroffensive Enters Fourth Month
- US Secretary of State Antony Blinken visits Kyiv to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy amidst conflict with Russia.
- Ukraine continues its fourth month of counteroffensive, augmented by significant US assistance.
- A new package of U.S. wartime aid is anticipated to be announced by Blinken.
During Blinken’s visit, a reported Russian attack on the eastern Ukraine city of Kostiantynivka overshadowed proceedings. The attack claimed at least 16 lives, including a child, and caused multiple injuries.
“This Russian evil must be defeated as soon as possible,” Zelenskiy responded to the attacks. He also met with Blinken, who is expected to announce a new package of U.S. wartime assistance worth more than $1 billion.
Meanwhile, U.S. officials have observed progress in Ukraine’s counteroffensive, despite criticism regarding the pace and tactics of the operation.
During his visit, Blinken also met with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and thanked Denmark for its donation of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine. The U.S. has provided more than $43 billion in military aid to Ukraine since the Russian invasion began in February last year.
However, U.S. aid to Ukraine has been questioned by several Republican presidential candidates, raising concerns about future U.S. support for Ukraine as the 2024 election approaches.
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