2023-09-06 21:18:15
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has arrived in Kiev for talks. Shortly after his arrival, he laid a wreath for Ukrainian soldiers killed in combat at the Berkovetsk Cemetery on Wednesday. Talks were planned with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Prime Minister Denys Schmyhal and Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba. It is likely to be about the Ukrainian offensive against the Russian invasion troops and further aid for Ukraine – including air defense systems.
“We want to make sure Ukraine gets what it needs,” said Blinken. This not only applies to the counter-offensive, but also in the long term. Ukraine should be rebuilt with a strong economy and a strong democracy.
Another issue could be possible alternative routes for exporting Ukrainian grain after Moscow suspended an agreement that allowed exports across the Black Sea, according to US officials. This could include shipping lanes close to shore to avoid international waters where Russia could target the grain carriers. Russia has recently increased its shelling of Ukrainian port facilities.
In addition, Blinken was expected to announce new military aid worth between $175 million and $200 million. Another, larger military aid package was expected later this week.
On the train to Kiev, Blinken spoke to Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, who was also traveling to Ukraine. He thanked Denmark for taking a leadership role in training Ukrainian F-16 fighter pilots, State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said. The kingdom also wants to provide Ukraine with F-16 planes itself.
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