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During an unannounced trip to Kyiv, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said US military support will “make a real difference against the ongoing Russian aggression on the battlefield.”

While meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Blinken reassured him of continued American support following the US Congress’s approval of a substantial aid package for Ukraine. “We know this is a challenging time,” Blinken said, recognizing the hardships faced due to the new Russian offensives.

Secretary Blinken’s comments come as Russian troops have recently advanced in the Kharkiv region, capturing a significant swath of territory, including several villages, escalating their military campaign. In addition, Russian forces have launched multiple assaults in the Donetsk region, intensifying the conflict.

Some military analysts have raised the alarm on Russia’s recent offensives, noting that it appears to be the biggest since the war initially broke out over two years ago. The new offensive involves a reported 30,000 – 50,000 Russian soldiers and has resulted in significant casualties on both sides. 

The Secretary’s trip also highlighted the recent US legislative actions, which earmarked $60 billion in aid to bolster Ukraine’s military capabilities, particularly artillery and air defense systems. Some of this assistance “is now on the way,” Blinken confirmed during his discussions in Kyiv.