Blinken in Kyiv: We are Committed to Ukraine's Victory

Antony Blinken, the U.S. Secretary of State, who has made an unannounced trip to Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, delivered a speech at the Kyiv Polytechnic Institute, expressing support for the country and its reconstruction and strengthening of infrastructure. Mr. Blinken highlighted the courage and resilience of Ukrainians and Ukraine's strategic success against Russia, stating that Putin's aggression has faced failure and added, "I have come here with the message that you are not alone." In part of his remarks, he referred to the drones provided to Russia by the Islamic Republic and the military support from China and North Korea to Putin's regime, stating that this issue will be addressed. Antony Blinken stated that U.S. support for Ukraine will continue until the country achieves sovereignty, independence, and lasting peace. He added that after delays in aid to Ukraine, one might wonder whether U.S. support can be relied upon, emphasizing that the bipartisan support from Democrats and Republicans for military aid to Ukraine demonstrates the continuity of U.S. support and that of the American people for this country. He also noted that U.S. support contributes to the strength and security of America and its allies. Mr. Blinken stressed that U.S. partners, including Poland, the Czech Republic, and Australia, are also sending more aid, addressing the people of Ukraine by saying, "A global coalition stands behind you." In another part of his speech, he said, "We are not only addressing your immediate needs but also helping to build Ukraine's forces for the future and creating a new security architecture for this country." Antony Blinken emphasized that Ukraine can count on this "powerful network" of countries over the next decade, referring to negotiations with 32 countries supporting Kyiv. He stated that supporting the flourishing of Ukraine's nascent defense and arms manufacturing industry will benefit everyone. The U.S. Secretary of State added that ultimately, countries can trade with Ukraine instead of Russia. Mr. Blinken emphasized that fighting corruption will prevent Ukraine from becoming like Russia, stating that anti-money laundering measures need to be strengthened and that Ukraine's NATO membership would bring significant benefits for Ukraine and Europe. He said the U.S. intends to bring Ukraine closer to NATO with the highest level of cooperation. The U.S. Secretary of State remarked that what Putin underestimated was the absence of fear among the Ukrainian people and their strong determination to determine their own fate and achieve democracy. In his remarks, Antony Blinken noted the close cooperation of the Kyiv Polytechnic Institute with U.S. educational institutions, acknowledging students who have dedicated their lives to the struggle and praising the management of this university during this "critical period." Mr. Blinken's visit is the first by a senior U.S. official since the U.S. Congress approved a $61 billion aid package after months of delay. Currently, Ukrainian forces are facing Russian attacks in the northeast and east. Ukraine regained parts of its territory in the first year after the Russian invasion, but its counteroffensive last year failed, and in recent months, Russia has once again been advancing at the front. Russia currently controls about 18% of Ukraine. The U.S. Secretary of State arrived in Kyiv by train just days after Russia's ground attack on the northern city of Kharkiv. In a meeting with Volodymyr Zelensky, the President of Ukraine, he informed him that part of the large U.S. aid package had arrived, and more assistance is on the way. Mr. Zelensky also expressed gratitude for the "important" U.S. aid and the support of both the Democratic and Republican parties in the U.S. for Ukraine. He stated that Ukraine has a significant need for air defense, especially in the Kharkiv region in the northeast, which has been targeted by heavy Russian air attacks. Australia and the European Union have sanctioned several officials and entities of the Islamic Republic. Blinken entered Ukraine amid Russian attacks to show U.S. solidarity. A draft plan for the European Union's long-term support for Ukraine has been developed. Russia's aggression is expanding into new areas of Kharkiv in northeastern Ukraine. Russia claims to have shot down 16 missiles and 31 drones of Ukraine. Thousands of Ukrainians have fled their homes in the northeast following new Russian attacks.