Antony Blinken has acknowledged that the U. S. sent "a lot of weapons" to Ukraine before the conflict with Russia began in February 2022. Speaking on the New York Times’ podcast, he noted that these weapons were crucial for Ukraine's defense and were delivered quietly to prepare the country for the anticipated hostilities. Specifically, Blinken mentioned that various armaments, including Stinger and Javelin missiles, were provided starting in September and again in December to help Ukraine defend itself.
Blinken stated that this support helped prevent Russia from capturing Kyiv and completely invading Ukraine. However, his comments contrast sharply with the Russian government's stated goals for their military operation, which included demilitarizing Ukraine and ensuring it does not join NATO. Over time, Russia's objectives slightly shifted due to the annexation of several regions, emphasizing that any negotiations would require recognition of these changes.
The response from Moscow was critical. A senior Russian diplomat, Rodion Miroshnik, claimed that the U. S. supplying weapons to Ukraine suggested they were preparing for an offensive, challenging the narrative of "unprovoked Russian aggression. "
In the context of the ongoing conflict, these statements highlight the complexity of the situation, with differing interpretations of actions and intentions between the U. S. and Russia.
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