US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba met on Ukraine’s border with Poland on Saturday to discuss Western efforts to support Ukraine and isolate Russia during the current war.
Amid tight security, they held talks in a tent on the border where refugees, mostly women and children, were also crossing with their belongings in rolling luggage and backpacks.
The two men walked on both sides of a painted line that appeared to mark the end of Polish territory.
“The entire world stands with Ukraine, just as I am standing here in Ukraine with my friend, my colleague,†Blinken said.
Kuleba added: “I hope the people of Ukraine will be able to see this as a clear manifestation that we have friends who literally stand by us.â€
The two discussed the provision of weapons to Ukraine and the campaign to isolate Russia internationally and damage its economy with sanctions, Kuleba said.
Ukraine will win its war with Russia eventually, he said, but its international supporters need to provide more help to end the conflict sooner.
Ukraine especially needs fighter jets and air defence systems, he said, adding that Stinger anti-aircraft weapons provided by Western nations were helping. Ukrainian forces downed three Russian aircraft on Saturday, he said.
“If they continue to provide us with necessary weapons, the price will be lower. This will save many lives,†he said.
Loading
Kuleba said he saw no progress in talks with Russia on a ceasefire being held on Ukraine’s border with Belarus, but “we have to continue talkingâ€. A third round is scheduled for Monday.
Blinken earlier met Poland’s prime minister and foreign minister and visited a centre hosting refugees.
The number of Ukrainian refugees fleeing the Russian invasion could rise to 1.5 million by the end of the weekend, from 1.3 million, the head of the United Nations refugee agency said on Saturday.
Reuters
