By Janet Ekstract
ISTANBUL- On Saturday, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced $100 million in new civilian security assistance to Ukraine in a formal statement from the U.S: State Department. Blinken commented that the influx of new financial help will “enhance the capacity of the Ukrainian Ministry of Internal Affairs to provide essential border security, sustain civil law enforcement functions and safeguard critical government infrastructure in the face of President Putin’s premeditated, unprovoked and unjustified attack.”
Blinken explained that by increasing funding to Ukraine will also provide “a steady flow of personal protection equipment, field gear tactical equipment, medical supplies, armored vehicle and communication equipment for the Ukrainian State Border Guard Service and the National Police of Ukraine.” He said that with assistance from the U.S. that Ukrainian law enforcement are engaged in the key role of rescuing victims of the Russian government’s brutal assault as well as “protecting convoys of those displace by attacks, and providing security to civilian areas torn apart by ruthless and devastating bombing.” The secretary of state added that the U.S. remains in complete solidarity with the Ukrainian people and the government of Ukraine “as they defend their democracy and country.” Blinken said that the Biden administration continues to urge Putin “to end the violence, reign in his forces, including those who have committed war crimes, and choose the path of peace and diplomacy.” He also was steadfast in reiterating the U.S. commitment to “pursuing accountability for war crimes and other atrocities using every tool available, including criminal prosecutions.”
