KYIV, May 15 (Reuters) – U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Wednesday vowed to build Ukraine’s defense industrial base, ending a two-day visit aimed at reassuring the country reeling from Russia’s opening up. announced a $2 billion fund to help. A new front in the war last week.
Blinken said the U.S. is working to quickly deliver more ammunition and weapons to the front lines to support Ukrainian forces fighting a new Russian ground invasion northeast of Kharkiv, which could lead to Russia’s 2022 He said this was the dark background for his fourth visit to Kiev since his full visit in February. – scale invasion.
Blinken said the new funding in the form of a “first-of-its-kind defense enterprise fund” comes at a “critical time” and will help Kiev get the weapons it needs now. He said he was deaf.
He also said it would “further strengthen (Ukraine’s) ability to produce what it needs for itself.” It added that Kiev could also use the funds to buy weapons from other countries.
According to US officials, the $2 billion in foreign military financing (FMF) is largely sourced from the $61 billion allocated to Ukraine last month. This includes $400 million in FMF that has not yet been allocated to any specific country and will be sent to Ukraine in the future, officials said.
The move follows a December agreement between the United States and Ukraine to accelerate joint production of weapons and data sharing to support Ukraine’s defense industry.
“We will continue to support Ukraine with the equipment it needs to succeed and win,” Blinken said at a news conference Wednesday before leaving Kyiv by train.
Blinken previously visited Brave1, which is part of the Ukrainian government’s efforts to foster cooperation in the defense sector. One facility that manufactures disposable drones capable of surveillance and small explosive payloads told Blinken that constant progress is needed to stay ahead of Russian efforts to shoot down or sabotage the drones. The person in charge of the explanation explained.
The top US diplomat received a brief lesson in flying drones and said the US is learning about rapidly evolving technology from the Ukrainians who are “testing this in a way that no one else is doing.”
He also visited a company that makes high-tech prosthetics for amputees. At the grain transshipment facility, he praised Ukraine’s success in pushing back Russia’s Black Sea Fleet, which helped revive grain exports hit by Russian attacks on infrastructure and shipping.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba hold a joint press conference in Kyiv, Ukraine, May 15, 2024, amid Russia’s attack on Ukraine. Reuters/Alina Smutko purchases license rights, opens in new tab
“Hurry up” military aid
Kiev has been at a disadvantage on the battlefield for months as Russian forces slowly advance, taking advantage of Ukraine’s lack of troops and artillery.
During his visit, Blinken said Ukraine’s move to mobilize more of its people for the war was “a difficult decision, but a necessary one.”
Military aid from Washington, Kiev’s main backer, was blocked by Republicans in the US Congress and delayed for months, but it was finally allowed to be voted on last month and passed with support from both parties.
“We are rushing ammunition, armored vehicles, missiles and air defenses to the front lines to protect our soldiers and civilians,” Blinken said.
Blinken said the United States is “focused” on ensuring Ukraine has access to the Patriot and other air defense systems that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said are urgently needed to protect the people of Kharkiv. “There is,” he added.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said Blinken’s visit “sends a message of encouragement not only to the Ukrainian people, but most importantly to the troops and soldiers who heroically protect Ukraine, including in Kharkov.” Ta.
Blinken stayed overnight in the Ukrainian capital, which faces frequent air raids and power shortages as Russia targets its energy infrastructure.
In his first visit to senior US officials since new military aid was approved, Blinken sought to focus on Ukraine’s future, calling it Russia’s “strategic defeat” – casualties, military equipment and international isolation. In this respect, he contrasted it with the cost of the war incurred by Russia. .
In a speech to university students, Blinken said he would not only defend Ukraine, but also make it a “free, prosperous, secure democracy fully integrated into the Euro-Atlantic community and in full control of its own destiny.” pledged the United States’ continued support in efforts to . ”
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Report by Simon Lewis. ; Additional reporting by Dan Peleschuk and Anastasiia Malenko. Editing: Alex Richardson, Alexandra Hudson
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