Blinken is scheduled to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyi, among others.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Ukraine early on Tuesday, the New York Times and Washington Post newspapers and the AFP news agency say, among others.
During his two-day visit, Blinken is scheduled to meet, among others, with the leadership of the Ukrainian state, including the president to Volodymyr Zelensky. It is the first high-level visit since the US approved an aid package worth tens of billions to Ukraine last month.
Blinken is expected to reinforce US solidarity with Ukraine. This is Blinken’s fourth visit to Kiev since the start of the full-scale Russian invasion.
The delay in aid weakened the positions
According to an official source who spoke to the New York Times, Blinken’s purpose is to praise Ukraine’s defensive battles, which have been a strategic success for Ukraine. At the same time, however, he will emphasize the importance of Ukraine’s democratic development and anti-corruption measures.
According to the source, the delay in the aid package clearly weakened the war situation in Ukraine.
– The Russians are trying to maximize their advantages on the battlefield. They clearly use everything available in the east. The expansion of the fighting to Kharkiv (region) is an example of them trying to put everything into play against the Ukrainians, said an official source who spoke to the Washington Post.
– The Ukrainians have definitely been in a more difficult position because they have been waiting for weapon systems for so long.
According to the Washington Post, US diplomats and military strategists want to help Ukraine, above all, strengthen its defenses during the current year. In addition, they hope that Ukraine will be able to replace and increase its worn-out military forces, keep the Black Sea open for merchant ships, and tie Russian forces to Crimea.
According to them, the goal is not to plan big counter-attacks for this year, but to prepare for next year’s attacks.