Russian Attack on Eastern Ukraine City Kills at Least 16 as Blinken Meets with Ukrainian President
KYIV, Sept 6 (Reuters) – A reported Russian attack on the city of Kostiantynivka in eastern Ukraine has resulted in the deaths of at least 16 people, casting a dark shadow over U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s visit to Kyiv. Blinken’s visit was intended to offer support to Ukraine in its ongoing counteroffensive against Russia’s invading forces.
The attack, which targeted a market, shops, and a pharmacy, has drawn condemnation from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. Zelenskiy revealed that among the dead was a child and many others were wounded. He called for the defeat of “this Russian evil” as soon as possible.
During his two-day visit, Blinken is expected to announce a new package of U.S. assistance worth more than $1 billion. This aid will further support Ukraine’s counteroffensive efforts. Blinken’s visit marks the first time a top U.S. official has traveled to Kyiv since the start of the counteroffensive in June. He has already held talks with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba and is scheduled to meet with President Zelenskiy.
“We want to make sure that Ukraine has what it needs, not only to succeed in the counteroffensive but has what it needs for the long term, to make sure that it has a strong deterrent,” Blinken said alongside Kuleba.
Recent U.S. media reports have criticized the Ukrainian counteroffensive for being too slow and ineffective due to poor tactics. These criticisms have sparked anger among Ukrainian officials. Foreign Minister Kuleba responded by telling critics to “shut up.”
Despite these criticisms, Ukraine has managed to regain control of over a dozen villages and small settlements. However, progress has been hindered by minefields and trenches in the Russian-held territory. U.S. officials have refrained from publicly criticizing Ukraine’s military tactics and have said they have seen progress in the southeastern region.
During his visit, Blinken will assess the progress of the counteroffensive and discuss battlefield needs with Ukrainian officials. Additionally, he will address the steps required to ensure Ukraine’s energy security before the winter season.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov responded to Blinken’s visit by stating that Moscow believed the U.S. planned to continue funding Ukraine’s military “to wage this war to the last Ukrainian.” Peskov asserted that U.S. aid would not affect Russia’s course in the conflict.
Blinken’s visit coincided with the appointment of Rustem Umerov as defense minister following the dismissal of Oleksii Reznikov. It is unclear whether Blinken would meet with Umerov.
During his train ride to Kyiv, Blinken also held talks with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, who was visiting the same day. Blinken expressed gratitude to Denmark for their donation of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine and their leadership in training Ukrainian pilots.
Ukrainian President Zelenskiy took to Telegram to express his gratitude to allies, saying, “Thanks to courage. Thanks to unity. Thanks to weapons. Thanks to the support of the world.”
The U.S. government has already provided over $43 billion in weaponry and military aid to Ukraine since the Russian invasion last year. A new package of security assistance is set to be announced this week. However, concerns have been raised as several Republican presidential hopefuls have questioned the level of U.S. aid to Ukraine as the 2024 election campaign intensifies.
Reporting by Humeyra Pamuk in Washington; Additional reporting by Tom Balmforth in Kyiv; Editing by Timothy Heritage, Angus MacSwan, Peter Graff