U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived unannounced on Tuesday for a visit to the Ukrainian capital, Kiev.

“Blinken arrived in Ukraine today to meet with senior Ukrainian officials and highlight the United States’ enduring support for Ukraine,” U.S. Department of State spokesman Matthew Miller said.

While in Ukraine, Mr Blinken will meet with President Volodymyr Zelensky, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, and Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba to “discuss battlefield updates and the impact of new U.S. security and economic assistance.

“Other issues to be discussed also include long-term security, other commitments, and ongoing work to bolster Ukraine’s economic recovery,” Mr Miller said.

Mr Blinken “will emphasise America’s commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and democracy in the face of Russia’s ongoing aggression,” Mr Miller added.

This is Mr Blinken’s fourth visit to Kiev since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, as Kiev is currently facing a new offensive in the north-east of the country.

Earlier, the U.S. government announced a further package of military aid for Kiev totalling around $400 million, including ammunition for the Patriot air defence system.

Others are additional HIMARS multiple rocket launchers with ammunition, as well as Stinger anti-aircraft missiles and artillery ammunition in 155 and 105-millimetre calibres.

At the end of April, after months of domestic political deadlock, the U. S. Congress approved billions in aid for Ukraine, which has been invaded by Russia, thus clearing the way for new arms deliveries.

The bill provides for aid totalling almost $61 billion for Kiev.  

(dpa/NAN)