Official NATO communications or summit declarations

Blinken Visits Kyiv Amid $60B U.S. Aid Package, Zelensky Requests Patriot Batteries for Kharkiv

May 14, 2024, 01:34 PM

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken made an unannounced visit to Kyiv, Ukraine, to demonstrate U.S. support amid ongoing Russian attacks, particularly in the Kharkiv region. Blinken's visit coincides with the arrival of a new $60 billion U.S. military aid package, which aims to bolster Ukraine's defenses. During his visit, Blinken met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who requested additional air defense systems, specifically two Patriot batteries, to protect Kharkiv from Russian missile attacks. Zelensky thanked the U.S. for the crucial weapons package. Blinken assured Zelensky that the new weapons package would make a significant impact on the battlefield. Additionally, Blinken emphasized the U.S.'s long-term security commitment to Ukraine and discussed efforts to bring Ukraine closer to NATO. Blinken also stated that seized Russian assets would be used for Ukraine's reconstruction. Blinken arrived in Kyiv by train, and several roads in the city were blocked for his visit.