Shruti Suman
Antony Blinken, the United States Secretary of State, emphasized that Russia initiated the conflict in Ukraine and has the ability to bring it to an end by withdrawing its military forces. He reaffirmed the United States’ support for Ukraine and the importance of holding Russia accountable for its actions.
In a message posted on a social media platform (formerly known as Twitter), Antony Blinken stated, “Russia initiated the conflict in Ukraine and has the power to cease it by withdrawing its forces and halting its brutal attacks. Until Russia takes this step, the United States has a clear course of action: assist Ukraine in defending itself, support the Ukrainian people, and ensure that Russia is held responsible.”
These remarks were made in response to a post by Janet Yellen, the United States Secretary of the Treasury. Janet Yellen expressed her urging to the U.S. Congress to approve the Biden Administration’s request to provide $11.8 billion in direct financial support to Ukraine.
She mentioned, “I joined @SecDef, @SecBlinken, and @PowerUSAID in a letter urging Congress to fully support @POTUS’ request to sustain our direct financial assistance to Ukraine, which is vital for enhancing their military efforts in this conflict.”
The letter specifically requested that the U.S. Congress provide $11.8 billion in direct financial support to Ukraine, which is a central element of the President’s supplemental request. It explained that these investments in Ukraine’s success, along with efforts to secure assistance from other international partners, would allow a reduction of financial support from $14.4 billion in Fiscal Year 2023 to $11.8 billion in Fiscal Year 2024. This amount is considered the minimum required to cover Ukraine’s basic needs after considering potential international support from other sources.
The letter also emphasized that a successful Ukraine would not only showcase the determination of the United States and its allies to protect the territorial sovereignty and fundamental freedoms of democratic nations against authoritarian aggression but also create new economic opportunities for the people of Ukraine and its partners who are standing against Russia’s aggressive invasion.
