Blinken came “to send a strong signal of reassurance to the Ukrainians” and did not forget to mention the problem of corruption.
This is the first time a high-ranking American official has visited Ukraine since Congress passed a $61 billion military aid package for the country. Secretary of State Antony Blinken planned to “send a strong signal of reassurance to the Ukrainians.” What did it come from?
More weapons
“The Secretary’s mission is to inform how to deliver our additional assistance in a way that will help strengthen their defenses and enable them to further regain the initiative on the battlefield,” the US explained on the purpose of the visit.
In a meeting with Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky, Blinken discussed the current situation at the front.
“In particular, they talked about the Patriot systems for Ukraine, to protect our cities and communities, such as Kharkov and the Kharkov region. Two Patriot systems for the Kharkiv region can already help great in protecting lives from Russian terrorism,” said the Ukrainian head of state.
In addition, Zelensky and Blinken discussed preparations for the Global Peace Summit, which will be held in Switzerland.
As the president noted, it is important for Ukraine that the United States, especially and President Joe Biden, take part in the summit and not weaken its role in maintaining the rules-based world order.
New commitments
Blinken said a future security agreement between the United States and Ukraine would include military aid for Kyiv and help it join NATO.
Blinken said the security agreements Ukraine is currently working on will support its “path to NATO.”
“Under our ten-year agreement, the United States will support Ukraine’s defense and security in a number of critical areas – from aviation to air defense, from drones to mine clearance,” he added.
The Secretary of State also indicated the agreement’s mechanism for consultation in the event of an attack: “If Russia or anyone else attacks Ukraine, we will immediately work with Ukraine at the highest level to agree on the best response to the threat .”
In addition, Blinken said, a Ukraine-US security agreement would help speed up efforts to develop Ukraine’s industrial defense industry, which would allow it not to rely on other countries’ military assistance. country in the long run and also promote economic growth.
“All this will ensure that once all conditions are met and all allies agree, Ukraine’s entry into NATO will be quick and smooth,” concluded the US Secretary of State.
Don’t be Russia
At the same time, Blinken noted that it is important for Ukraine not only to repel the full aggression of Russia, but also to fight corruption, which is no less a threat to its democracy.
Blinken called on the Ukrainian authorities to continue the reforms so that they are not only adopted, but also implemented and have a tangible impact on people’s lives.
“This means eradicating the scourge of corruption once and for all Ukraine’s victory on the battlefield will not allow it to become part of Russia victory in the war against corruption will not allow Ukraine to become like Russia,” the Secretary of State.
He specifically recalled that Russian leader Vladimir Putin was trying to use corruption to sow chaos in Ukraine, and despite notable successes in the fight against it, “eight out of ten Ukrainians still believe that there are laws written for the elite and laws for the rest. “.
“Ukraine’s defense against corruption must be as strong as its military defense,” Blinken added, citing independent courts, free media, anti-corruption infrastructure and free and fair elections as examples of such defenses. .
Blinken ended his visit with dinner with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmitry Kuleba at Veterano Pizza pizzeria in Kyiv. Blinken and Kuleba ordered a meat pizza, which the restaurant calls “Ukrainian,” as well as a vegetarian one. “As someone who knows pizza, like most Americans, I can say that the pizza here is delicious. I highly, highly recommend her,” said the Secretary of State.
During a visit to Kyiv in September 2023, the US Secretary of State and the head of the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry dined at a McDonald’s restaurant.
Source: korrespondent
I am David Wyatt, a professional writer and journalist for Buna Times. I specialize in the world section of news coverage, where I bring to light stories and issues that affect us globally. As a graduate of Journalism, I have always had the passion to spread knowledge through writing.