Blinken discusses deep attacks in Russia, announces $719M aid for Ukraine
Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that during talks in Kyiv, the issue of using long-range weapons to target military objectives deep within Russia was discussed. "I plan to return to Washington and brief President Biden on what I heard," added Blinken.
During a joint press conference, Antony Blinken announced that President Volodymyr Zelensky will meet with U.S. President Joe Biden in Washington. The meeting is scheduled to take place on Friday, September 13 at 7:30 PM ET.
Talks about a deep attack in Russia
Blinken admitted that he talked in Kyiv about the use of long-range weapons on targets deep within Russia. "I plan to return to Washington with this discussion and inform the president about what I heard," Blinken said.
Blinken added that the fear of escalating the war as a result of attacks deep within Russian territory using U.S.-supplied missiles is one of the factors the United States is considering when deciding whether to lift the ban on such attacks. However, it is not the only or decisive factor.
A package worth over $700 million
The U.S. Secretary of State also announced a new support package for Ukraine worth $719 million CAD, which includes funding to help Ukraine's energy system and humanitarian aid.
"Today, we announce that we will allocate $326 million CAD for the reconstruction of Ukraine's energy grid and electricity systems, and additional support from G7 countries will be obtained during the Energy Coordination Group meeting in the coming weeks," he assured.
He also announced $291 million CAD for new humanitarian aid to provide basic services such as safe drinking water, food, shelter, and medicine.
"And finally, we are announcing an allocation of $102 million CAD in additional funding for demining, which will help clear the territory of mines and unexploded ordnance left by Russia across Ukraine," Blinken said.
Earlier, President Volodymyr Zelensky said that without U.S. assistance, Ukraine would not be able to win the war against Russia. "We expect Washington to allow us to use American weapons to strike targets deep within Russia," he stated.
"We want Ukraine to win"
"Our dialogue, which takes place every week and every month with the United States, is very important to us. The U.S. has given us and continues to give us the greatest military and financial support. We are counting on that, and without it, we will not be able to win the war," the head of state said at a press conference after the Crimea Platform summit in Kyiv.
"While I am optimistic about their (the U.S.) decision to allow us to use long-range weapons, that decision does not depend on my optimism; it depends on their optimism. That is very important to us now. In any case, I expect a dialogue with President (United States Joe) Biden this month," Zelensky emphasized before Blinken announced the meeting with Biden.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken also assured continued support for Ukraine, as "it is not dependent on any country, any party, any elections."
"We want Ukraine to win," he assured.
