Blinken discusses potential use of long-range weapons in Ukraine visit
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken conveyed that during talks in Kyiv, the issue of using long-range weapons that could target military objectives deep within Russia was discussed. "I plan to return to Washington and inform President Biden about what I heard," added Blinken.
During a joint press conference, Antony Blinken announced that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will meet with U.S. President Joe Biden in Washington. The meeting is scheduled for Friday, September 13.
Discussed attacks deep into Russia
Blinken admitted that he discussed in Kyiv the issue of using long-range weapons against targets deep within Russia. "I plan to return to Washington with this discussion and inform the president about what I heard," said Blinken.
Blinken added that concerns about escalating the war as a result of attacks deep into Russian territory using U.S.-supplied missiles are among the factors the United States considers when deciding on lifting the ban on such attacks. At the same time, this is neither the only nor the decisive factor.
A package worth over $700 million
The U.S. Secretary of State also announced a new support package for Ukraine worth $717 million, including funding for Ukrainian energy system aid and humanitarian assistance.
"Today we announce that we will allocate new funds amounting to $325 million for the reconstruction of Ukraine's energy and power grid, and we will obtain additional support from G7 countries during the Energy Coordination Group meeting in the coming weeks," he assured.
He also announced the allocation of $290 million for new humanitarian aid to provide essential services such as safe drinking water, food, shelter, and medicine.
"And finally, we announce the allocation of $102 million in additional funding for demining, which will help clear the territory of mines and unexploded ordnance left by Russia across Ukraine," said Blinken.
Earlier, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that without the help of the United States, Ukraine cannot win the war with Russia. "We expect that Washington will allow us to use American weaponry to attack targets deep within Russia," he declared.
"We want Ukraine to win"
"Our dialogue, which continues weekly and monthly with the United States, is very important to us. The USA has provided and continues to provide the most significant military and financial support. So we count on this, and without it, we cannot win (the war)," said the head of state at a press conference following the Crimean Platform summit in Kyiv.
"As optimistic as I am about their (the USA's) decision to allow us to use long-range weapons, this decision does not depend on my optimism; it depends on their optimism. This is very important to us now. In any case, I expect to dialogue with President (of the United States) Joe Biden this month," emphasized Zelenskyy, even before Blinken announced the meeting with Biden.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken also assured continued support for Ukraine because "it is not dependent on any country, any party, any election."
"We want Ukraine to win," he assured.
