Blinken: America committed to Ukrainian defense

The United States of America has clarified that it remains committed to support and defend Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity and the right of states to choose their own security agreements and alliances, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said at a press conference.

Blinken reiterated that they are open to dialogue and that they prefer diplomacy.

Our response to Russia reflects what I said in Kiev, Berlin and Geneva last week. We are open for dialogue, we prefer diplomacy and are prepared to move forward where there is communication and co-operation potential if Russia escalates its aggression against Ukraine, halts promotional rhetoric and approaches discussions about Ukraine's future and security in the spirit of reciprocity”, Blinken said.

He said he expects to speak with Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov in the coming days after Moscow has the opportunity to discuss future steps, reports Atish.

The US military defence aid shipments of “arrived in Kiev this week, carrying additional missiles, Yavelin and other systems, 283 tonnes of ammunition and nonlethal equipment essential to Ukraine's first-line advocates. More shipments are expected in the coming days. We offered Ukraine more protection assistance last year than in any other year”, Blinken added.

Last <x0van>, I authorized US allies, including Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, to offer US-born military equipment from their inventory for use from Ukraine. Also last week, we announced Congress our intention to hand over Ukraine the Mi-17x1> helicopters, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said at his press conference.