Shmyhal and Blinken discuss US financial support, protection of energy infrastructure 

Shmyhal announced the meeting with Blinken on Telegram.

"During the meeting, we discussed strengthening our economic cooperation, enhancing cooperation with American business and progress in implementing reforms," he wrote.

The Prime Minister noted that the United States is one of the leaders in direct budgetary assistance to Ukraine.

"Special thanks for the PEACE in Ukraine program, which helps to finance the salaries of teachers and doctors," Shmyhal emphasized.

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The politicians also drew attention to the protection of energy infrastructure in view of possible massive missile and drone attacks by the occupiers.

Earlier, Blinken noted the success of the Ukrainian counteroffensive.

“We’ve seen good progress in the counteroffensive, which is very heartening. We want to make sure that Ukraine has what it needs not only to succeed in the counteroffensive, but it has what it needs for the long term, to make sure that it has a strong deterrent… so that in the future, aggressions like this don’t happen again,” CNN quotes Blinken.

Blinken also noted that during his third visit since the Russian invasion, he was again impressed by the extraordinary bravery and resilience of the Ukrainian people, armed forces, and leadership. He emphasized that the United States is determined to continue working with the partners as they build and rebuild a strong economy, and a strong democracy.

Blinken wrote about his visit on X (Twitter).

"Returned to Kyiv today to meet with our Ukrainian partners to discuss their ongoing counteroffensive, future assistance and reconstruction efforts, and above all, to reinforce the unwavering U.S. commitment to Ukraine," he wrote. 

Earlier, the press center of the Foreign Affairs Ministry reported that US Secretary of State Blinken began his visit to Ukraine with a visit to the Berkovetske cemetery.

Together with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, they paid tribute to the fallen Ukrainian heroes.

"The Secretary became the first counterpart to begin his day in Kyiv by paying tribute to our fallen heroes at Berkovetske cemetery. This is a sign of respect to all Ukrainian warriors who gave their life for our freedom and the right to live," Kuleba tweeted. 

Earlier, the Evropeiska Pravda wrote about the visit. 

According to the publication, Blinken is already in the Ukrainian capital.

The purpose of the visit is still unknown. It is reported that the center of the capital is blocked.

Later, the arrival of the US Secretary of State was confirmed by CNN. They noted that Blinken arrived in Ukraine to meet with key officials, including President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba.

It is expected that Blinken will also announce new financing for Ukraine in excess of USD 1 billion.

• It should be noted that Blinken's previous visit to Ukraine took place just a year ago, on September 8.