Blinken calls Ukraine's progress in counteroffensive encouraging

U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said that the United States is "determined to continue to stand side by side" with Ukraine. He made the remarks during a meeting with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv on Wednesday, emphasizing that he found Ukraine's progress in the counteroffensive "very, very encouraging."

Source: CNN

"President Biden asked me to come to reaffirm our support. To make sure that we maximize the efforts that we're making and that other countries are making to provide immediate counteroffensive support as well as long-term efforts to help Ukraine build a force of the future that can deter and defend against any future aggression," Blinken said.

He emphasized that he was looking forward to Zelenskyy's assessment after the president's visit to the frontline.

"I know you were on the front line, and we are all ready to hear your assessment. But certainly we see the important progress that has been made in the counteroffensive now, and that is very, very encouraging," Blinken said.

Zelenskiy said it is always a "great sign of support" for Ukraine when US officials visit. He added that this is a "difficult period" for Ukrainians.

The President of Ukraine expressed gratitude to President Joe Biden and the U.S. Parliament for demonstrating the "great unity" of the bipartisan Congress when it comes to Ukraine.

"When you talk about Ukraine, you are always together, thank you very much," Zelensky said. – "We are happy that we can rely on you.

Zelenskiy said that the US financial support for Ukraine's budget is "crucial" and noted that a difficult winter is ahead.

"We are happy that we will not go through this winter alone," Zelenskiy said.

Background. As a reminder, U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken confirmed a $1 billion aid package for Ukraine. He said this during a joint press conference with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba.