Secretary of State Antony Blinken traveled to Ukraine on Wednesday on a surprise official visit that was not previously announced by the government. The official landed in Kiev after Russia heavily bombed the Ukrainian capital.
Returned to Kyiv today to meet with our Ukrainian partners to discuss their ongoing counteroffensive, future assistance and reconstruction efforts, and above all, to reinforce the unwavering U.S. commitment to Ukraine.
— Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) September 6, 2023
According to a statement released later by the State Department, Blinken is meeting with senior Ukrainian officials, including President Volodymyr Zelensky, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal and Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba.
During the visit, he aims to "discuss Ukraine’s ongoing counteroffensive and future recovery and reconstruction efforts" and "demonstrate the United States' unwavering commitment to Ukraine's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and democracy, especially in the face of Russia's aggression." He also wants to "address Ukraine’s energy, security, and humanitarian needs, and make announcements about how the United States can continue supporting Ukraine in these areas."
Blinken meets with Zelensky and other ministers
After landing in the Ukrainian capital, Blinken went along with some soldiers to the Berkovetske cemetery to bring flowers to the graves of armed forces members who have lost their lives in the fight against the Russian invasion:
This morning I joined @DmytroKuleba at Berkovetske cemetery in Kyiv to pay my respects to some of Ukraine's fallen soldiers. They served their country with honor and the United States is proud to stand with Ukraine as it defends its people and sovereignty. pic.twitter.com/7fad6hX5S4
— Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) September 6, 2023
Blinken posted some images of the visit on social media. He highlighted the "great meeting" that took place with Prime Minister Shmyhal:
Great meeting with @Denys_Shmyhal today in Kyiv to discuss our cooperation to support Ukraine’s democratic and prosperous future. The Ukrainian people continue to bravely defend their democracy and inspire the world. pic.twitter.com/BIdHsBhCFG
— Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) September 6, 2023
The secretary also shared images of his meeting with Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba and said the meeting reaffirmed "the United States' steadfast support for Ukraine's defense and future deterrence."
Good to meet with @DmytroKuleba in Kyiv today to reaffirm the United States’ steadfast support for Ukraine’s defense and future deterrence. pic.twitter.com/43XRQ0I0ev
— Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) September 6, 2023
This is the secretary's fourth trip to Ukraine since the invasion began. However, unlike the others, this is the first time he will spend the night in Kiev since before the attacks began.
