Blinken reaffirms U.S. support for Ukraine amid Russia tension
KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken reaffirmed Washington’s support for Ukraine at a meeting Thursday with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the wake of Kyiv’s heightened tensions with Russia, fueled by Moscow’s recent troop buildup near their border.
The top American diplomat met with Mr. Zelenskyy during his one-day visit and reiterated the U.S. commitment to Ukraine’s “sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence,” while also underscoring the importance of Ukrainian efforts to tackle widespread corruption and carry out reforms.
“Ukraine is facing two challenges: aggression from outside, coming from Russia, and, in effect, aggression from within, coming from corruption, oligarchs and others who are putting their interests ahead of those of the Ukrainian people,” Mr. Blinken said at a news conference after meeting with Mr. Zelenskyy.
By visiting so early in his tenure, before any trip to Russia, Mr. Blinken signaled Ukraine is a high priority for President Joe Biden’s foreign policy. His visit was highly anticipated in Ukraine, with hopes for increased military aid and strong support for NATO membership being voiced on the front lines of the battle against Russia-backed separatists in the east and in the halls of government in Kyiv.
Read more: https://www.post-gazette.com/news/nation/2021/05/06/Antony-Blinken-United-States-Ukraine-Volodymyr-Zelenskyy-Joe-Biden-Vladimir-Putin-Russia-Moscow/stories/202105060152