“Russia has tried to take away (Ukraine) sovereignty, to take away its independence. That failed, “Blinken told a news conference near the Polish-Ukrainian border, according to CNN.
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US Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited Kyiv. In the picture, he shakes hands with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky
Foto: Ukrainian Presidential Press Ser, Reuters
According to him, Russia tried to enforce the strength of its army and economy, which, according to the head of American diplomacy, it also failed.
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“We do not know how this war will develop, but we do know that an independent Ukraine will exist for much longer than (Russian President) Vladimir Putin will be on the scene,” Blinken said, promising further US support to Kiev.
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US ministers have promised direct and indirect assistance to Ukraine and its 15 partner and allied countries in the amount of $ 713 million (CZK 16 billion), of which 332 million go directly to Kiev. They also announced the gradual return of American diplomats to the country. The aid includes the purchase of non-US ammunition for Soviet weapons used by Ukrainians.
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Blinken said the visit was an opportunity to demonstrate “strong continued support for the Ukrainian government and people.” “According to our court, it was an important moment to be there and to have detailed face-to-face interviews,” he added.
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They need tanks
Austin said Zelenský’s response to the aid was a deep appreciation of what was given, but “he has his mind set to win, and we have set it up to help them win.”
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The Minister of Defense added that “the world was inspired” by Ukraine in the war and that America should contribute with help. He described the expulsion of Russian troops from Kiev as exceptional.
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He also noted that the nature of the struggle in Ukraine has evolved so that the country now needs long-range weapons.
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“They emphasize the need for tanks. And we are doing everything we can to provide them with the type of support, artillery and ammunition that will be effective at this stage of the fight, ”CNN quoted Austin.
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Blinken and Austin were the first such high-ranking American officials to visit Ukraine since the beginning of the war that Russia launched in late February.
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The AP agency called the expedition of American ministers “shrouded in mystery”.
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US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Lloyd Austin in Poland at the Ukrainian border
Photo: Alex Brandon, CTK / AP
