Blinken Commends Ukrainian Strength During Visit to Kyiv Grain Facility

Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited a U.S.-supported transshipment facility on the outskirts of Kyiv and acknowledged Ukraine’s resilience in grain production despite Russian attacks.

Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, ports and infrastructure have been targeted, exacerbating a global food crisis. However, grain exports have rebounded due to Ukrainian actions against Russia’s Black Sea fleet.

Blinken commented, “Before 2022, Ukraine had been a major provider of grain for the world, and it remains so only because of its remarkable adaptability.” He noted the reopening of the Black Sea corridor and the shift of the Russian navy as key factors for this success.

In August, Ukraine established a new shipping corridor along its western Black Sea coast, following Russia’s withdrawal from a UN and Turkey-brokered deal allowing safe Black Sea grain exports.

During his visit, Blinken also toured a drone manufacturing facility and a company producing advanced prosthetics for amputees.

As the first senior U.S. official to visit Ukraine after the passing of a $61 billion military aid package, Blinken emphasized ongoing American support for Ukraine, especially in light of Russia’s recent ground incursion in Kharkiv.