Kyiv, Sep 6 (EFE).- United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Kyiv on Wednesday to discuss Ukraine’s counteroffensive with top officials, including Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Blinken will discuss Ukrainian energy, security, and humanitarian needs, and make announcements about how Washington can continue supporting Ukraine, a statement from the US State Department said.

“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 US commitment to Ukraine,” the US official said on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Upon arrival, Blinken visited the Berkovetske cemetery with Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba to honor the fallen during Russia’s invasion.

“The Secretary became the first counterpart to begin his day in Kyiv by paying tribute to our fallen heroes at Berkovetske cemetery,” Kuleba wrote on social media.

“This is a sign of respect to all Ukrainian warriors who gave their life for our freedom and the right to live,” he added.

Blinken is later scheduled to meet with Zelenskyy to discuss Ukraine’s ongoing counteroffensive and future recovery and reconstruction efforts, the US state department said.

Blinken’s arrival was unannounced, although Ukraine’s state broadcaster confirmed his arrival early on Wednesday citing presidential sources.

According to US media, Blinken is set to announce a fresh military aid package worth over $1 billion.

The US Secretary of State arrived in Kyiv just hours after Ukrainian forces had repelled a Russian missile attack over the city.

This is Blinken’s third visit since the start of Russia’s invasion on February 24, 2022, after previous trips in April and September last year.EFE

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