PRESS STATEMENT
ANTONY J. BLINKEN, STATE SECRETARY
AUG 24 2022
On behalf of the United States of America, I congratulate the Ukrainian people on their Independence Day, the anniversary of 1991 when Ukraine officially left the Soviet Union and became a sovereign democratic country. What was supposed to be a celebration of Ukrainian independence is marred by Russia’s ongoing war of aggression. Six months ago, President Putin launched a full-scale, unprovoked invasion of Ukraine. Since then, Ukraine has fought back with ferocity, courage and effectiveness.
Ukraine will remain sovereign and independent. The Ukrainian people have shown that they will do whatever it takes to protect their home, their family, their fellow citizens, their country — their independence. For our part, the United States has shown that we will support Ukraine for as long as necessary. To that end, the President today announced nearly $3 billion in weapons and equipment to be provided through the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, enabling Ukraine to get what it needs to defend itself in the long term.
