U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken told President Volodymyr Zelenskiy during a trip to Kyiv that part of a major U.S. aid package had arrived in Ukraine and that more was on its way.

Kyiv

Russian forces have invaded Ukraine from land, air and sea with strikes causing widespread damage. Global leaders have condemned the move and imposed sanctions.

Ukraine Invasion

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken recently visited Kyiv, meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. This marked Blinken's first trip to Ukraine following the approval of a substantial $61 billion U.S. aid package by Congress, aimed at supporting the country amidst ongoing conflicts. Blinken assured Zelensky of the steadfast U.S. support, acknowledging the challenges Ukraine faces due to previous delays in aid, which made the nation more susceptible to Russian attacks. He confirmed that a portion of the assistance has already reached Ukraine, with more expected to follow, aiming to significantly impact the battle against Russian aggression.

During the meeting, Zelensky expressed gratitude for the bipartisan support from the United States, emphasizing the importance of quick assistance, particularly in air defense. He highlighted the urgent need for additional support in the eastern regions of Ukraine, notably around Kharkiv, where civilians and military personnel face increasing threats from Russian missile attacks. Blinken's visit came shortly after a new Russian ground incursion into the north of Kharkiv, which has opened another front in the conflict, further challenging Ukrainian forces.

In a pointed statement against Russian President Vladimir Putin, Blinken asserted that the United States, empowered by recent congressional authorization, intends to seize Russian assets within the U.S. This move aims to hold Russia accountable for the destruction it has caused in Ukraine, with the expectation that Russia should finance the rebuilding of the areas it has devastated. Blinken's remarks underscore the U.S. commitment to supporting Ukraine, reflecting the ongoing geopolitical tensions and the broader international response to Russia's actions in the region.



Blinken says Putin must pay for damage in Ukraine

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kiev on Tuesday, the first visit by a senior U.S. official since Congress passed a long-delayed $61 billion aid package for the country. Blinken acknowledged that the delay had made Ukraine more vulnerable to Russian attacks. But he pledged unwavering U.S. support going forward. We know this is a challenging time. But we also know that in the near term, the assistance is now on the way. Some of it's already arrived. More of it will be arriving. And that's going to make a real difference against the ongoing Russian aggression on the battlefield. U.S. military aid had been blocked by Republicans in Congress until they finally allowed a vote last month, when it passed with support from both parties. Big appreciation from Ukrainians to Americans for this. Zelensky said his country was thankful for the bipartisan support, but added that more help was needed, as Russia mounts fresh attacks in eastern Ukraine. The first, the decision of the package was crucial for us. It's very important to get it as quick as possible. And the second one point is air defense, the biggest deficit for us. I think that the biggest problem, yes, and we need, really, we need today two patrols for Kharkiv, for Kharkiv region, because the people are under attack, civilians and warriors, everybody there under Russian missiles. Blinken's visit comes days after Russia launched a ground incursion into the north of Kharkiv, opening a new front and stretching Ukraine's soldiers. During a speech, Blinken took aim at Russian President Vladimir Putin and said the U.S. intends to seize Russian assets. What Putin destroyed, Russia should and must pay to rebuild. Our Congress has given us the power to seize Russian assets in the United States. We intend to use it. Russia now controls about 18 percent of Ukraine and has been gaining ground since the failure of last year's counteroffensive to make serious inroads against Russian troops.

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Ukraine Invasion