Antony Blinken asserts Ukraine's eventual membership in NATO: Secretary of State reaffirms steadfast global backing for Zelensky amid Kremlin's declar

Secretary of State Antony Blinken reiterated the unwavering commitment to Ukraine's eventual NATO membership and underscored steadfast support for the nation and President Volodymyr Zelensky. Following discussions with Ukraine's foreign minister in Brussels during the NATO alliance's 75th anniversary commemoration, Blinken emphasized the alliance's resolute stance.

"The support for Ukraine remains rock solid. We will do everything we can to ensure that Ukraine has what it needs to deal with Russia’s ongoing aggression," Blinken affirmed.

Furthermore, he urged Congress to expedite assistance to Ukraine, which has been facing significant challenges due to conservative blockades on a $60 billion military aid package. These obstructions have resulted in severe ammunition shortages for Ukrainian forces, enabling Russia's army to push back Kyiv's forces along nearly the entire 600-mile front line.

Meanwhile, Blinken's statements coincided with the Kremlin's pronouncement of "direct confrontation" between Russia and NATO. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov declared that relations between the two have deteriorated to this level due to NATO's involvement in the conflict surrounding Ukraine and its continued military infrastructure expansion towards Russia's borders.

NATO's repeated enlargement has been a particular concern for President Vladimir Putin, who initiated conflict in Ukraine two years ago with the aim of preventing the alliance from encroaching closer to Russia's borders.

Blinken's remarks reflect a critical juncture in international relations, highlighting the ongoing tensions and strategic maneuvers in the region.