Hi Everyone,
A quick note on U.S. Secretary Anthony Blinken’s visit to Ukraine this week;
Blinken said he was impressed and encouraged by Ukrainian counter strikes on Russian forces. It tells you the Americans confirm reports Ukraine has made headway breaking through formidable Russian defences and more is to come. He said he heard directly from President Zelensky back from touring front lines.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said the conversation is ongoing in Washington about supplying Ukraine with ATACMS. These rocket artillery systems would give Ukraine the range of 180 miles to strike deep into Russian lines. He said no decision has been taken by the U.S. but it’s being talked about in the Biden Admin.
After much criticism on Biden’s slow drip Of weapons to Ukraine, and an unsure goal there, Blinken now says his Admin wants Ukraine to win.
It may seem subtle but that’s an important distinction and may embolden decisions on ATACMS etc.
Speed is important because of the internal political debate of supply billions on arms to Ukraine from America. Yesterday Blinken announced another one billion in arms. Biden knows it’s election season and he needs to show Ukraine is worth the support.
Blinken didn’t sell U.S. support for an Ukraine by focusing on Democracy, but rather Russias thirst to expand its borders and destabilize Europe. And, if Ukraine doesn’t win other dictators (China) will take that as a signal they too can use force to take what they want.
Wrote this on my phone this morning. Please excuse grammar.
Dana