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Is Blinken’s visit to Kyiv enough to stem Russian aggression?
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy greets U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Kyiv on May 14, 2024. Photo Credit: Brendan Smialowski / AP
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and delivered a speech emphasizing continued US support for Ukraine across various sectors. This support includes military aid, economic assistance, energy cooperation, and strengthening democratic institutions.
The facts
Russia has been making substantial progress in northeastern Ukraine since late summer 2022.
US President Joe Biden signed a $95 billion foreign aid package, including approximately $61 billion for Ukraine, following successful lobbying efforts.
Blinken confirmed the arrival of US weapons in Ukraine to help combat Russian aggression, with more on the way. He reiterated the US goal of bolstering Ukrainian defences and assisting them in regaining tactical advantage.
Ukrainian President Zelensky called for additional military support, particularly air defence, citing the catastrophic situation in the Kharkiv region.
Blinken’s visit included discussions with Ukrainian officials, civil society leaders, and commercial sector partners to discuss combat updates, security and economic support, and long-term plans.
The arguments
Blinken’s visit aims to reassure Ukraine of the United States’ sustained military and economic support, particularly in light of Russian aggression. This assistance involves the transfer of weaponry and the transportation of large relief items.
Ukrainian defence and initiative
The United States plans to assist Ukraine in strengthening its defences and regaining the initiative on the battlefield against Russian forces. This includes offering military aid and discussing tactics to fight Russian advances.
Congressional delays and repercussions
Congressional infighting and delays in assistance approval have hampered Ukraine’s ability to defend itself. The US recognises the expense of the delay but is working to expedite help.
Russian aggression and timing
Russia’s recent advances in northeastern Ukraine have coincided with delays in aid delivery, implying an attempt to exploit this vacuum. US officials anticipate greater Russian assault, but feel that increased aid will enable Ukraine resist it.
Putin’s army has been advancing in recent months, as additional military backing has been postponed, particularly by a group of pro-Trump Republicans in Washington.
On May 13, Russian forces made tactically significant advances north and northeast of Kharkiv City which according to the Institute for The Study of War (ISW) now appear to prioritise the rapid establishment of a ‘buffer zone’ along the international border over setting conditions for deeper penetrations into northern Kharkiv Oblast (province).
Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA)
The US uses Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA) to quickly provide military weapons to Ukraine from existing supplies. This includes multibillion-dollar packages and rocket launchers.
