Title: U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken Visits Ukraine as Fighting Intensifies Against Russian Forces
Subtitle: NATO Chief Stoltenberg Says Ukrainian Counteroffensive “Gradually Gaining Ground”
September 7, 2023 at 6:37 a.m. EDT
In a show of support, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken recently visited Ukraine, where he received updates on the ongoing conflict from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Secretary Blinken pledged more than $1 billion in additional aid to Ukraine, highlighting the United States’ commitment to helping Ukraine reclaim territory from entrenched Russian forces.
Accompanied by Ukrainian officials, Blinken toured a State Border Guard site in Kyiv, gathering firsthand information on the situation on the ground. The Pentagon also announced plans to send depleted uranium munitions to Ukraine, igniting criticism from Moscow, who branded it as a U.S. escalation.
Meanwhile, NATO Chief Jens Stoltenberg praised Kyiv’s counteroffensive, stating that Ukrainian troops were “gradually gaining ground” against the Russian forces in the country’s east and south. Stoltenberg emphasized the crucial role of NATO’s support in the progress made by Ukrainian forces, acknowledging the heavy and difficult fighting they have endured.
On the home front, Russian authorities reported shooting down two drones in the southern city of Rostov-on-Don, which is home to Russia’s Southern Military District headquarters. The attack resulted in one injury and damage to several vehicles. While the claims could not be independently verified, verified videos showed explosions and emergency crews in the city.
Additionally, concerns arose over a potential intentional attack on Romania. However, Stoltenberg clarified that NATO did not have information indicating an intentional attack by Russia and awaited the outcome of an investigation. Romanian officials reported finding debris from a possible drone on their territory but dismissed earlier claims of Russian incursions.
One of the deadliest attacks in Ukraine in recent months occurred in Kostiantynivka, where a Russian missile strike on a crowded market left at least 16 people dead and 32 injured. Ukrainian President Zelensky condemned the attack, describing it as an act of “utter inhumanity.” The European Union joined in condemning the attack, highlighting the escalating missile and drone attacks across Ukraine.
As the conflict intensified, Blinken asserted the need for continued assistance to Ukraine, emphasizing “real progress” in the counteroffensive. The new U.S. funding includes air defense components, artillery ammunition, antitank missiles, and air navigation systems. Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister criticized the decision to send depleted uranium ammunition, considering it an “escalatory step” and a “criminal act.”
Further Russian drone strikes damaged port infrastructure and buildings in Odessa, according to the governor of the southern Ukrainian port region. This marked the fourth attack on the Izmail district in recent days.
In the midst of ongoing tensions, Moldova announced joint military exercises with Moldovan, Romanian, and U.S. troops from September 10 to 22. The exercises will include infantry and artillery drills, boosting regional defense capabilities.
Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov arrived in the Indonesian capital to attend the East Asia Summit, aimed at addressing regional security issues.
While Ukrainian troops in the south continue their grueling counteroffensive against Russian forces, questions arise as to whether the Russian presence in northeast Ukraine aims to advance or merely acts as a diversion. The city of Kupyansk, with its strategic roads and rail tracks, including a train line reaching Russia’s border, is a focal point of concern.
As the conflict continues to unfold, the international community closely monitors the evolving situation and its potential ripple effects across the globe.
Published September 7, 2023 at 3:34 a.m. EDT.