U.S Secretary of State visits Ukraine after renewed Russian offensive.
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The top US diplomat has made an unannounced arrival in Kyiv to steady the nerves of the Ukrainians.
US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken’s surprise visit issued a “strong signal of reassurance” to Ukraine and a firm rebuke to the emboldened Russian offensive.
Mr Blinken pledged that the $61 billion dollar aid package “is now on the way” and it will “make a real difference”.
Ukraine has sustained a strong Russian attack since May 10, on their eastern front. The renewed offensive is focused on the recapture of the city of Kharkiv, which the Russians held for four months in 2022.
The fresh attack follows months of uncertainty from the Ukrainian forces, as ammunitions have dwindled.
For every one shell Ukraine has fired in defence, the Russians fired five back.
Ukrainian forces defend against renewed attacks on Kharkiv. Credit: Associated Press.
Ukrainian member of parliament Kira Rudick said that Ukraine is calling upon their allies to give them “resources… in the sufficient amount”.
In response to the Ukrainian calls for help, the U.S National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said they are trying to “accelerate the tempo” of US weapon shipments to Ukraine.
“What I am going to suggest is that the level of intensity being exhibited right now in terms of moving stuff is at a 10 out of 10,” he said.
Why are the Russians attacking now?
Anthony Blinken’s arrival comes after the fresh U.S aid package was approved in April.
The bill had been debated and blocked for three months in the republican-held congress after concerns that NATO allies were not meeting their 2% NATO spending commitments and were relying on American defensive capabilities.
Russia’s attack on Kharkiv is therefore opportunistic attempt to gain control of the second largest Ukrainian city as their opponents are outgunned and outnumbered.
The renewed offensive against Kharkiv signifies a significant loss in the defensive capabilities of Ukraine.
What happens if Kharkiv falls?
The fall of Kharkiv will cause concern for the Ukrainians and their western allies for two reasons.
Firstly, the strategic and logistic advantage Russia would gain from taking Kharkiv would place greater pressure on Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine.
Taking Kharkiv would enable the Russian forces to use short-range weaponry to target Kyiv and cause widespread pressure and disruption.
Secondly, and more importantly, losing Kharkiv would be a major psychological loss for the Ukrainians who have held the city since September 2022 despite constant pressure.
For this reason, Mr Blinken has reassured the Ukrainian forces that support is coming and their stocks will be replenished, so they can stop the Russian advance.
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HeadlineUS Secretary of State makes surprise visit to Ukraine as Russian offensive intensifies
Short HeadlineUS Secretary of State visits Ukraine after latest Russian offensive
StandfirstAnthony Blinken has travelled to Kyiv to reassure Ukrainine after Kharkiv comes under renewed attack
The top US diplomat has made an unannounced arrival in Kyiv to steady the nerves of the Ukrainians.
US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken’s surprise visit issued a “strong signal of reassurance” to Ukraine and a firm rebuke to the emboldened Russian offensive.
Mr Blinken pledged that the $61 billion dollar aid package “is now on the way” and it will “make a real difference”.
Ukraine has sustained a strong Russian attack since May 10, on their eastern front. The renewed offensive is focused on the recapture of the city of Kharkiv, which the Russians held for four months in 2022.
The fresh attack follows months of uncertainty from the Ukrainian forces, as ammunitions have dwindled.
For every one shell Ukraine has fired in defence, the Russians fired five back.
Ukrainian forces defend against renewed attacks on Kharkiv. Credit: Associated Press.
Ukrainian member of parliament Kira Rudick said that Ukraine is calling upon their allies to give them “resources… in the sufficient amount”.
In response to the Ukrainian calls for help, the U.S National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said they are trying to “accelerate the tempo” of US weapon shipments to Ukraine.
“What I am going to suggest is that the level of intensity being exhibited right now in terms of moving stuff is at a 10 out of 10,” he said.
Why are the Russians attacking now?
Anthony Blinken’s arrival comes after the fresh U.S aid package was approved in April.
The bill had been debated and blocked for three months in the republican-held congress after concerns that NATO allies were not meeting their 2% NATO spending commitments and were relying on American defensive capabilities.
Russia’s attack on Kharkiv is therefore opportunistic attempt to gain control of the second largest Ukrainian city as their opponents are outgunned and outnumbered.
The renewed offensive against Kharkiv signifies a significant loss in the defensive capabilities of Ukraine.
What happens if Kharkiv falls?
The fall of Kharkiv will cause concern for the Ukrainians and their western allies for two reasons.
Firstly, the strategic and logistic advantage Russia would gain from taking Kharkiv would place greater pressure on Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine.
Taking Kharkiv would enable the Russian forces to use short-range weaponry to target Kyiv and cause widespread pressure and disruption.
Secondly, and more importantly, losing Kharkiv would be a major psychological loss for the Ukrainians who have held the city since September 2022 despite constant pressure.
For this reason, Mr Blinken has reassured the Ukrainian forces that support is coming and their stocks will be replenished, so they can stop the Russian advance.
