US Giving Ukraine $200M More In Military Aid As Blinken Talks “Diplomacy”

On Wednesday Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked US Secretary of State Antony Blinken during the latter’s trip and meeting with Ukraine’s leaders in Kiev for an additional $200 million in military aid. The new aid for weapons and other military hardware was first revealed as being approved in December, but finally confirmed this week.

Zelensky told Blinken during their Wednesday meeting, which specifically came in response to the Russian forces build-up near Ukraine’s border: “This [military] support not only speaks to our strategic plans of Ukraine joining the alliance, but more importantly to the level of our military, our military supplies.” The Ukrainian leaders was of course referencing Kiev’s desire to be fast-tracked into NATO, which has been they key source of contention, particularly during last week’s largely unsuccessful Russia-NATO dialogue.

Ended negotiations with @SecBlinken. I appreciate personal involvement in the de-escalation of the situation around 🇺🇦. Grateful for 🇺🇸’s political & security support. Count on enhancing economic & financial cooperation. I’m sure there will be no decision about 🇺🇦 without 🇺🇦. pic.twitter.com/MNGvHqBKE2

— Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) January 19, 2022

Zelensky stressed further according to the AP: “If we want dramatically fast steps in modernizing the military, we need help especially in these tough times.” He added. while addressing Blinken, “Your visit is very important. It underlines once again your powerful support of our independence and sovereignty.” – READ MORE