Zelensky meets with Blinken Austin in Kyiv reports

Zelensky meets with Blinken, Austin in Kyiv: reports

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reportedly met with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin on Sunday in Kyiv.

The Biden administration has yet to confirm the meeting, but an adviser to Zelensky has been cited by the Wall Street Journal, Associated Press and others as confirmation.

According to an announcement by Zelenskyy on Saturday, leaders should discuss additional military aid as Russia strengthens its armed forces in the eastern part of the country.

“I don’t think it’s a big secret. The people from the USA are coming to us tomorrow. I will … meet with Secretary of State Mr. Blinken and Defense Minister who are coming,” Zelenskyy told reporters during a briefing.

Blinken and Austin’s visit marks the visit of senior US officials to Ukraine since the Russian invasion began on February 24.

A source in the Biden administration told Axios Blinken is expected to testify before the Senate and House Foreign Relations Committees beginning Tuesday after his trip.

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The Hill has reached out to the State Department, Defense Department and White House for comment on the meeting.

It comes as many Ukrainians celebrate Orthodox Easter despite the ongoing Russian onslaught.

“We are living in dark times. And on this bright day, most of us don’t wear bright clothes,” Zelenskyy said in a speech on Sunday. “But we fight for a good idea. On the light side. And the truth folks, the Lord and the holy light of heaven are on our side.”