The next is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Value:
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken and Secretary of Protection Lloyd J. Austin III visited Kyiv, Ukraine yesterday to reveal the USA’ unwavering dedication to Ukraine and the Ukrainian folks of their battle in opposition to Russian aggression.
Whereas in Kyiv, Secretary Blinken and Secretary Austin met with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, International Minister Dmytro Kuleba, Minister of Protection Oleksiy Reznikov, Head of Presidential Administration Andriy Yermak, Chief of Protection Normal Valeriy Zaluzhny, and Ambassador Oksana Markarova. They mentioned America’s stalwart help for the Ukrainian authorities and Ukrainian folks, together with by way of our vital help to Ukraine’s safety, governance, financial, and humanitarian wants. Secretary Blinken additionally voiced renewed help for Ukraine’s efforts to finish the Russian aggression by way of diplomacy and dialogue, noting that our continued help will strengthen Ukraine’s hand on the battlefield and on the negotiating desk.
Throughout their assembly, Secretary Blinken shared that President Biden will nominate Bridget Brink, presently the U.S. Ambassador to Slovakia, to be the subsequent U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine. If confirmed, Ambassador Brink will lead our diplomatic mission in Ukraine with dedication and distinction. She beforehand served as Senior Advisor and Deputy Assistant Secretary within the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs and because the Deputy Chief of Mission on the U.S. Embassies in Tashkent, Uzbekistan and Tbilisi, Georgia. Her many years of expertise make her uniquely fitted to this second in Ukraine’s historical past.
Underscoring our intensive diplomatic engagement, Secretary Blinken additionally relayed that U.S. diplomats might be returning to Ukraine this week. The elevated U.S. presence demonstrates our help for Ukraine and is a part of the U.S. dedication to return our diplomats to our Embassy in Kyiv as quickly as doable. This motion will strengthen the Division’s ongoing dedication to facilitate humanitarian aid efforts and the supply of help to the Authorities of Ukraine, whereas offering enhanced help to U.S. residents.
Secretary Blinken knowledgeable President Zelenskyy that the USA intends to obligate greater than $713 million in International Army Financing (FMF) for Ukraine and 15 different Allied and companion nations in Central and Japanese Europe and the Balkan area. This contains $650 million in funding offered by the Ukraine Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2022. Greater than $322 million on this obligation is for Ukraine and can present help for the capabilities Ukraine wants as Russia’s forces prepare their concentrate on the Donbas; this help may even assist Ukraine’s armed forces transition to extra superior weapons and air protection programs. This help may even assist NATO Allies with backfilling capabilities they’ve donated to Ukraine from their very own stockpiles. Moreover, Secretary Blinken instructed President Zelenskyy that on April 24 the Division notified Congress of a International Army Sale of as much as $165 million for non-standard ammunition for Ukraine. Because the begin of Russia’s renewed invasion of Ukraine on February 24, the USA has dedicated roughly $3.7 billion in safety help and has offered greater than $4.3 billion for the reason that begin of the Biden Administration.
As a part of our persevering with help, Secretary Austin additionally knowledgeable the Authorities of Ukraine that the U.S. Division of Protection will increase navy coaching for Ukrainian service members within the area on sure weapons programs being offered. He highlighted U.S. efforts to speed up the supply of those weapons, which are actually arriving inside days of announcement. And he underscored that, together with our Allies and companions, the USA will proceed to coordinate the cargo of extra heavy weaponry, ammunition and spare components from different nations. Secretary Austin additionally previewed for Ukrainian leaders the agenda for this week’s Protection Consultative Assembly in Germany. Convened by the USA, the Consultative Assembly will look at the operational image on the bottom and evaluate near-term Ukrainian protection wants, whereas offering attendees a chance to look at methods by which Ukraine’s long term nationwide safety pursuits might be greatest met.
Each Secretary Blinken and Secretary Austin shared their admiration for the on a regular basis heroism exhibited by the Ukrainian folks – whether or not the soldier on the frontlines, those that are ministering the wounded, sick, or weak or the defiant grandmothers resisting Russian aggression. They famous that the bravery of Ukrainians in defending freedom and democracy evokes us all and underscored our confidence that a good stronger Ukraine will emerge from this battle.
