Situation at front, Patriot system for Ukraine: Zelenskyy meets with US Secretary of State Blinken in Kyiv

He shared the news on Twitter.

"I returned to Kyiv today to demonstrate our unwavering support for Ukraine as they defend their freedom against Russian aggression," he stated.

According to BBC, citing an AFP correspondent, Blinken arrived in Kyiv via a night train from Poland and is scheduled to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy soon.

"A primary goal of this trip is to send a clear message of support to Ukrainians, who are facing challenges due to ongoing fighting in the east and escalating Russian attacks in the Kharkiv region," a senior US official told reporters.

This marks Blinken's fourth visit to Kyiv since the start of the full-scale Russian invasion.

Reuters reports that the visit aims to underscore US solidarity with Ukraine, which is grappling with extensive Russian airstrikes along its northeastern border.

"The Secretary's mission here is really to talk about how our supplemental assistance is going to be executed in a fashion to help shore up their defenses (and) enable them to increasingly take back the initiative on the battlefield," a US official stated.

During his stay in Kyiv, Blinken will reaffirm US support to Ukrainian officials, including President Zelenskyy, and deliver a speech on Ukraine's future.

Politico initially reported on the possibility of Blinken's visit to Ukraine this week, citing insider sources.

Security services in Kyiv will temporarily close roads on May 14 and 15.

Zelenskyy meets with Blinken

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he had met with US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken in the capital. According to him, they discussed the situation on the battlefield, support for the Ukrainian military and further defence cooperation.

"In particular, we talked about Patriot systems for Ukraine, to protect our cities and communities, such as Kharkiv and Kharkiv region. Two Patriots for the Kharkiv region could significantly help protect lives from Russian terror," Zelenskyy said.

He noted that during the meeting, they also talked about preparations for the Peace Summit.

"We also discussed preparations for the Global Peace Summit. It is important for us that the United States and President Biden take part and that America's role in maintaining a rules-based world order does not weaken," the President of Ukraine added.

• Blinken's last visit to Ukraine was on March 6, 2023, during which he announced over $1 billion in new funding for Ukraine.
• On May 12, Blinken expressed confidence in the Ukrainian military's ability to effectively hold the front line in eastern Ukraine.