US Secretary of State and Defense Meet Zelensky in Kyiv... First Top US Official Visit

U.S. Secretary of State Tony Blinken (left) and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin
[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin will visit Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine. If this visit takes place, it will be the first visit by a top U.S. official to Ukraine since Russia's invasion in February.

According to the Associated Press (AP) and others on the 23rd (local time), President Zelensky said at a press conference, "I don't think this is a big secret," adding, "People from the U.S. are coming tomorrow. I will meet with the U.S. Secretary of State and Secretary of Defense." He said, "We are expecting not just simple gifts or cakes but specific items and weapons," and added, "We are waiting for the U.S. President to visit Ukraine to support the Ukrainian people."

The Washington Post (WP) reported that the U.S. Department of Defense and Department of State declined to confirm the details, and the White House said it had no comment.

This visit was arranged amid Russia concentrating its attacks on eastern Ukraine, marking a new phase in the war. On the 21st, U.S. President Joe Biden announced additional military and economic aid totaling $1.3 billion to Ukraine, along with further sanctions including a ban on Russian ships entering U.S. ports.

President Zelensky also expressed hope that following the visit of the U.S. Secretary of State and Secretary of Defense, President Biden would be able to visit Ukraine in person to hold talks once security issues are resolved. Earlier, European leaders such as British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen visited Kyiv in a personal capacity to show support for the Ukrainian government.

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