Ukraine welcomed Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s visit as a show of support amidst a critical moment in its conflict with Russia. The Ukrainian government is hoping for a shift in U.S. policy that would allow its military to use Western-supplied long-range weapons to strike deeper inside Russian territory. President Joe Biden hinted at a potential change in policy, indicating that restrictions on Ukraine’s use of long-range weapons are being worked out.
The visit comes in contrast to former President Donald Trump’s recent statements, where he refused to explicitly state whether he wanted Ukraine to win the war. Trump’s comments, along with Vice President Kamala Harris’ pointed remarks about Putin, highlight the fragility of U.S. support for Ukraine under different administrations.
Kyiv has been frustrated by Western restrictions that have limited its ability to combat Russian incursions into its territory. The Ukrainian government is currently fighting to hold onto seized territory in Russia’s Kursk border region and strategic towns on the eastern front lines. The arrival of Blinken and British Foreign Secretary David Lammy in Kyiv is seen as a potentially pivotal moment in the conflict, with hopes for increased military support from the U.S. and its allies.
Overall, the visit and recent comments by political leaders indicate a shifting landscape of American support for Ukraine, highlighting both the potential for expanded assistance and the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the conflict.
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