Zelensky Has Put the US in an Uncomfortable Position

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky surprised Washington when he revealed to reporters details about the visit of U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and Secretary of State Antony Blinken to Kyiv, despite their arrival being shrouded in strict confidentiality, according to NBC citing officials, as reported by RIA Novosti.

According to media reports, the politicians initially flew secretly to Poland on different planes and then took a train to Kyiv. The White House has refused to confirm this information until the officials have safely left Ukraine.

It was noted that the final decision on Austin’s and Blinken’s visit was made “at the last minute after assessing the security situation.” On Sunday, the U.S. Secretary of State and Secretary of Defense visited Kyiv, where they announced the gradual return of American diplomats to Ukraine. Additionally, they declared over $700 million in direct and indirect military aid to Kyiv.

This trip marked the first visit of senior American officials to Ukraine since the start of Russia's special military operation to demilitarize the country.