Russia must pay for Ukraine rebuild, Blinken says

Blinken asserts Russia's responsibility to fund Ukraine's rebuild. Diplomatic stance amid ongoing tensions

US Vows to Make Putin Pay for Ukraine's Rebuilding Efforts

 

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has reiterated Washington's commitment to hold Russian President Vladimir Putin accountable for the devastation caused in Ukraine, asserting that Putin must foot the bill for reconstruction efforts.

 

Speaking at Kyiv Polytechnic University, Blinken affirmed that the US possesses the authority to seize Russian assets within its borders and intends to utilize these resources to aid in Ukraine's recovery.

 

"The destruction wrought by Putin mandates that Russia bear the responsibility to rebuild. It's a principle upheld by international law, and it's the right of the Ukrainian people," Blinken asserted during his address.

 

Highlighting the collective leverage of the G7 nations, including the US, Blinken emphasized their capacity to unlock substantial financial assistance, sending a resolute message to Putin that his time is dwindling.

 

In the wake of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, European Union sanctions have frozen Russian state assets estimated at nearly €211 billion (£181 billion).

 

Blinken's arrival in Kyiv via a nine-hour journey by sleeper train from the Polish border coincided with Ukraine's ongoing efforts to repel a significant Russian incursion near Kharkiv, its second-largest city.

 

His visit coincides with the passage of a new $61 billion (£49 billion) aid package for Ukraine by the US Congress, marking a crucial milestone in bilateral support.

 

"We are ushering Ukraine closer to, and ultimately into, NATO," Blinken declared, underscoring the commitment to fortify Ukraine's ties with the alliance.

 

Addressing Ukrainians directly, Blinken conveyed a message of solidarity: "You are not alone. We stand with you today, and we will stand by your side."

 

Acknowledging the gravity of the moment, Blinken highlighted a fresh Russian offensive allegedly aided by North Korea, Iran, and China, underscoring the multifaceted challenges faced by Ukraine.

 

Blinken commended Ukraine's recent mobilization reforms, characterizing them as a necessary measure amid escalating tensions with Russia. He praised the resilience of Ukrainian citizens and lauded President Volodymyr Zelensky's steadfast leadership.

 

During his meeting with President Zelensky, Blinken paid homage to Ukraine's unwavering resilience and assured that US assistance was forthcoming, emphasizing its pivotal role in bolstering Ukraine's defense capabilities.

 

As Ukraine braces itself against ongoing Russian aggression, Blinken's visit reaffirms the enduring solidarity between the United States and Ukraine in the face of adversity.