Blinken in Ukraine: The Islamic Republic of Iran, North Korea, and China Have Supplied Weapons to Russia

During a visit to Ukraine, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken told reporters that China, the Islamic Republic of Iran, and North Korea are providing military support to Russia. Blinken, who made an unannounced trip to Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, emphasized U.S. support for Ukraine's territorial integrity during a joint press conference with his Ukrainian counterpart, Dmytro Kuleba, on Wednesday, May 15. He stated, "Our concern is not just about China supplying weapons to Russia; North Korea and Iran are doing this as well. China has stepped back from this. But what we are very concerned about is the support that China is providing to Russia to rebuild its defense industrial base and make a significant difference in its aggression against Ukraine." He noted that "the major equipment that Russia has is being sourced from abroad, including its microelectronics, which come from China," adding, "This is directly used to strengthen Russia's defense industrial base. More tanks, more armored vehicles, more missiles; these are being produced and used in its aggression against Ukraine." Blinken emphasized that they are "carefully monitoring these developments" and will continue other actions, including sanctions against companies involved in this support. He stated, "We have imposed hundreds of sanctions against industries and companies involved in such support and will continue to do so." The U.S. Secretary of State also mentioned that "China is somewhat trying to have relations with European countries. It cannot ask for such a thing on one hand and be responsible for fueling the fire in this region on the other. Because the threat that Russia poses here is an imminent and urgent danger, but it is trying to circumvent export sanctions and rebuild its military industrial base. This is a continuous threat against other European countries, so it is very important, and I have raised this with many European countries and told them to convey this to China as well." Blinken also emphasized the "right of the Ukrainian people to decide their future and defend themselves," stating that they have "finalized aid packages and assistance is on the way. We will have an additional two billion dollars in military financial aid to Ukraine, and for the first time, we are implementing a defense industrial budget and another part of investment in the defense industrial base." He referred to a "60 billion dollar aid package" for Ukraine and the ongoing "senseless and insane attacks by Russia on residential buildings" in Ukraine, stating, "We are focusing on the details of our work to provide more defensive and protective equipment." According to the U.S. Secretary of State, in addition to the "bilateral security agreement between the U.S. and Ukraine, 32 countries have also negotiated in this regard, and 9 countries have completed discussions to assist Ukraine over the next 10 years to create deterrence against Russian aggression." Blinken expressed hope that "we will soon be able to sign this agreement in the coming weeks," stating, "This shows Ukraine and Putin that many countries will support Ukraine for a long time to ensure deterrence against aggression." He also praised the resilience of Ukrainians against Russian aggression, saying, "If anyone thinks it is a good bet to bet against Ukraine, it is never a good bet. We have overcome many challenges together and are confident we will get through this period as well." Blinken emphasized that "the United States is committed to helping Ukraine," stating that the U.S. does not encourage Ukraine to attack outside its territory, saying, "We do not empower Ukraine to attack outside of Ukraine, but ultimately it is Ukraine that decides what to do in defense of its freedom, national sovereignty, and territorial integrity, and we will continue to provide the necessary equipment for its success." He added, "We are determined that Ukraine wins this war and succeeds for its people and its future. This is a decision that Ukraine must make for itself and will make, and we are committed to ensuring that Ukraine has the necessary equipment on the battlefield." The U.S. Secretary of State also responded to a question about the future of Gaza, stating, "We do not support the reoccupation of Israel and have emphasized that we do not agree with Hamas's sovereignty in Gaza." He stressed that "this vacuum" should not be filled "with chaos," saying that "it is very important to have a concrete plan and proposal for the future of this situation in terms of infrastructure, governance, and people's presence," adding that "Israel is focusing on this" and "it is also important for Israel to focus on what Iran is doing, and I repeat that we do not want Hamas to have any responsibility or control there, and at the same time, we do not want chaos and turmoil there; therefore, there must be a concrete plan, and we want Israel to step forward and present its ideas." Blinken showed support for the people of Ukraine through music at a nightclub in Kyiv, reiterating the U.S. commitment to fully support Ukraine in its battle against Russia and referencing Russia's use of Iranian drones in the war against Ukraine: "We will not leave you alone." The first "shelter-school underground" for Ukrainian children was built in Kharkiv. Blinken in Kyiv: We are committed to Ukraine's victory. Blinken in a meeting with Zelensky: U.S. military aid will impact the state of the battle in Ukraine against Russia.