Mr Blinken’s visit was aimed at assessing Ukraine’s three-month-old counteroffensive and signalling continued US support as some western allies express worries about Kyiv’s slow progress against invading Russian forces.
“We’re also determined to continue to work with our partners as they build and rebuild a strong economy, strong democracy.” In addition to the military assistance, Mr Blinken announced nearly 805 million dollars in non-arms-related aid for Ukraine, including 300 million dollars for law enforcement, 206 million dollars in humanitarian aid, 203 million dollars to combat corruption and 90.5 million dollars for removing mines, the State Department said.The package also includes a previously announced 5.4 million dollar transfer to Ukraine of frozen Russian oligarch assets.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said US assistance to Ukraine “can’t influence the course of the special military operation” – Moscow’s euphemism for the war.