United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken will pay an official visit to Ukraine today, May 5. The visit is taking place, in particular, as a sign of support against the background of the build-up of Russian troops near the borders of Ukraine and in the occupied Crimea over the past month.
Kyiv. Ukraine. Ukraine Gate – May 5, 2021 – Diplomatic Affairs
According to CNN, Blinken’s visit to Kyiv should demonstrate to US allies in NATO that Washington does not intend to abandon a tough course on Moscow at a meeting of leaders of the two countries scheduled for the summer.
This coincides with a statement by US State Department spokesman Ned Price. According to him, Blinken’s visit to Kyiv is a demonstration of “unwavering” US support for “Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity in the face of ongoing aggression.”
Over the past month, the increase in the military presence of the Russian Armed Forces near Ukraine’s northern and eastern borders, as well as in Crimea, which Russia annexed in 2014, has raised concerns in Kyiv, Brussels, and Washington.
During the visit, Blinken is expected to meet with President Volodymyr Zelensky and also promote discussions on active measures to combat corruption.
Washington – London – Kiev
Blinken will arrive in Kyiv from London, where he attended a meeting of G7 foreign ministers.
Together with Blinken, Kyiv will be visited by Victoria Nuland, who last week was approved by the US Senate as Deputy Secretary of State for Political Affairs.
Nuland previously served as US Assistant Secretary
of State for European and Eurasian Affairs. From September 2013 to January 2017, Nuland dealt with issues related to the policy towards post-Soviet states in the administration of the 44th President of the United States Barack Obama.
During the Revolution of Dignity in Ukraine in 2014, Nuland was one of the Western officials who publicly supported the demonstrators.
President Biden, Ukraine, and Russia
Blinken’s visit comes as President Joseph Biden increases pressure on Russia, but also prepares for a likely summit with President Vladimir Putin in hopes of stabilizing relations.
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Source: Ukrgate
