US will stand with Ukraine 'as long as it takes': Blinken

United States State Secretary Antony Blinken has spoken with Ukraines Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba and reiterated Washingtons commitment to stand with Kiev for as long as it takes the US State Department saidSecretary Blinken underscored Ukraines success as vital to peace and security in Europe and reiterated the United States commitment to stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes said Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel in a statement on Tuesday local timeThe two leaders discussed ongoing preparations for Ukraines spring counteroffensive including security assistance pledges from allies and partners said PatelTaking to Twitter the Ukrainian Foreign Minister also shared the same information During our call today SecBlinken reaffirmed the ironclad US support and vehemently rejected any attempts to cast doubt on Ukraines capacity to win on the battlefield The US remains Ukraines trustworthy partner focused on advancing our victory and securing a just peaceThe US has been helping Ukraine since Russia started its special military operation on February 24 2022Last month the US said that they will send Ukraine USD 350 million in weapons and equipment as the battle with Russian forces continues for control of the Ukrainian city of BakhmutToday pursuant to a delegation of authority from President Biden I am authorizing our 34th drawdown of US arms and equipment for Ukraine valued at USD 350 million said US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in a statement issued by the US State Department on MondayAlso readOne held 10 bombs recovered in Delhis Metro Vihar ChowkiThis military assistance package includes more ammunition for USprovided HIMARS and howitzers that Ukraine is using to defend itself as well as ammunition for Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicles HARM missiles antitank weapons riverine boats and other equipment the statement readThe US applauds the more than 50 countries that have come together to provide support for Ukraine as it defends its sovereignty and territorial integrity the statement readThis week as Russias unconscionable war of aggression against Ukraine continues at a great human cost we are again reminded of the boundless courage and steadfast resolve of the Ukrainian people and the strong support for Ukraine across the international community Blinken saidHe added Russia alone could end its war today Until Russia does we will stand united with Ukraine for as long as it takesMeanwhile in February the US announced a new security package plan including authorisation of a Presidential Drawdown of security assistance valued at upto USD 425 million as well as USD 175 billion in Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative USAI funds according to the statement released by US Defence DepartmentThe package pulled USD 425 million from existing Defence Department stocks and USD 175 billion in Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative funds The new package marks USD 293 billion provided to Ukraine since Russias started its military operation last FebruaryThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever