Kyiv, 19 December 2023 (TDI): Assistant Secretary for European and Eurasian Affairs James C. O’Brien arrived in Kyiv on December 18 to show US support for Ukraine.
He met with Ukrainian Presidential Office Head Andriy Yermak and Minister of Defense Rustem Umerov. Moreover, he also met with Minister of Digital Transformation Mykhailo Fedorov and Minister of Reconstruction Oleksandr Kubrakov.
Assistant Secretary James C. O’Brien said in a written statement, “Good to be in Kyiv to reiterate enduring support for Ukraine onward to Warsaw to meet the new government and to Brussels to coordinate on a range of issues.”
According to the US Department of State, the Secretary reiterated that he will meet with the Polish government to build upon our already strong bilateral relationship and discuss our continued support for Ukraine.
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Furthermore, the Secretary will travel to Brussels Belgium, to meet with European officials to discuss the welcomed, recent decisions on EU enlargement.
US Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget A. Brink wrote in a statement, “Welcome back to Kyiv Assistant Secretary Jim O’Brien.” She added, “Your visit is one more reminder that our commitment to Ukraine is unwavering.”
Ambassador Brink wrote that a follow-up was conducted on President Zelenskyy’s meeting with President Biden in D.C. She said the meeting held significant urgency of continuing support for Ukraine. The conversation circled the use of technology on the battlefield and work in digital space.
Furthermore, she said, “We are committed to supporting Ukraine against Russia’s brutal and illegal aggression.
The Secretary and Minister of Defense discussed the importance of US Security Assistance to Ukraine.
Protecting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure during winter and to maximize exports through ports and and borders are the top U.S. priorities. Nevertheless, the aim of the meeting is to help Ukraine defend itself from Russia’s attacks and accelerate its economic recovery.
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