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Ukraine
WorldRussia & Central Asia

US to boost security assistance to Ukraine amid ‘reckless’ Russian actions, Blinken says

  • The US Secretary of State said Russia had left behind significant numbers of troops despite announcing a withdrawal of its forces from close to the border
  • He also urged Ukraine to stick to a path of reforms and fighting corruption and the influence of oligarchs

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Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky (left) with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Kiev on Thursday. Photo: AFP
Reuters
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Thursday Washington could increase security assistance for Ukraine after what he called Russia’s “reckless and aggressive” actions in massing troops near its border.

During a visit to Kiev intended to show support for Ukraine, Blinken said Russia had left behind significant numbers of troops and equipment despite announcing a withdrawal of its forces from close to the border after a stand-off that alarmed the West.

Blinken also said President Joe Biden was keen to visit Ukraine and meet his counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky, but gave no details on that or on Ukraine’s aspirations to join the Nato military alliance.
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“We are aware that Russia has withdrawn some forces from the border of Ukraine, but we also see that significant forces remain there, significant equipment remains there,” Blinken said, speaking alongside Zelensky.

The Russian military's armored vehicles roll into landing vessels after drills in Crimea on April 23. Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu on Thursday ordered troops back to their permanent bases after a massive military buildup. Photo: Russian Defense Ministry Press Service via AP
The Russian military's armored vehicles roll into landing vessels after drills in Crimea on April 23. Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu on Thursday ordered troops back to their permanent bases after a massive military buildup. Photo: Russian Defense Ministry Press Service via AP
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“We are monitoring the situation very, very closely,” Blinken said. “And I can tell you, Mr President, that we stand strongly with you, partners do as well. I heard the same thing when I was at Nato a couple of weeks ago and we look to Russia to cease reckless and aggressive actions.”
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