Blinken Guarantees US Support For Ukraine, Russian Foreign Ministry: Weapons Will Not Save Zelensky's Government

JAKARTA - Russia's Foreign Ministry on Wednesday said Foreign Minister Antony Blinken's visit to Kyiv looked like a sign of increased United States concern about the situation on the battlefield, reiterating that arms aid shipments would not change anything.

Foreign Minister Blinken arrived in Kyiv on Tuesday, becoming the first senior US official to travel to Ukraine after Congress last month passed a USD 61 billion military aid package delayed, saying the US would support Ukraine until its security sovereignty is guaranteed.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman Maria Zakharova told a news conference in Moscow that US military assistance to Kyiv would not help the country's political leadership survive.

"The US Secretary of State visited Ukraine on May 14-15. It is clear that the situation at the forefront and the failure of the Ukrainian armed forces military has caused increased concerns in the Biden Administration (US President Joe)," Zakharova said.

"No matter how much weapons will save Zelenskiy (President of Ukraine)'s criminal regime from collapse. All military equipment supplied to Ukraine will be destroyed," he said.

Foreign Minister Blinken said late Tuesday the US would support Ukraine until its security sovereignty was guaranteed, as Russia launched a new offensive in the eastern part of the country.

Meanwhile, in a speech at the Institute of Polytechnics Igor Sikorsky Kyiv, Foreign Minister Blinken admitted that delays in US arms shipments made Ukraine more vulnerable to Russian attacks, but said Kyiv could rely on Washington's steadfast support.

"Putin has again stepped up attacks on Ukraine in Kharkiv and other eastern regions, sending wave after wave of Russian troops, Iranian drones, northern Korean artillery, as well as tanks, missiles, and fighter jets built with engines and parts supplied by China," said Foreign Minister Blinken.

"We are with you today. And we will remain by your side until Ukraine's security, sovereignty, and ability to choose its own path is guaranteed," he said.

Meanwhile, Russian troops have entered Kharkiv territory in Ukraine in recent days, forcing Ukrainian troops to withdraw from a number of settlements and are currently taking positions on the streets of the town of Vovchansk, according to a local official.

Kyiv is known to have been in an unfavorable position on the battlefield for months, as Russian forces slowly advanced, taking advantage of Ukraine's lack of troops and artillery shells.

Military aid from Uncle Sam's country was suspended for months, previously the US Congress finally held a vote last month which later received support from the Democratic Party and Republican Party.