US forcing Ukraine ‘fight to last Ukrainian’ Amidst Plans for Increased Military Aid

Tensions between the United States and Russia are escalating as Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov accused Washington of being determined to “wage a war to the last Ukrainian” amidst reports of increased military aid to Ukraine. Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Kiev on an unannounced two-day visit, pledging to support Ukraine both in its ongoing counteroffensive and long-term stability.

Peskov’s Remarks Raise Concerns

On Wednesday, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov addressed reporters, expressing Russia’s concerns about the United States’ intentions in Ukraine. Peskov claimed that despite previous promises to help Ukraine as long as necessary, the additional military aid would not alter the course of the conflict but rather intensify it.

“We have many times heard statements that [the US] is going to continue helping Kiev as long as necessary,” Peskov stated. “This means Washington will further keep Ukraine effectively at war and wage this war to the last Ukrainian, sparing no expense.”

While Peskov criticized the United States’ commitment to Ukraine, he asserted that American military supplies would not change the way Russia’s military campaign is being conducted in the neighboring country.

Secretary Blinken’s Visit and Aid Announcement

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s arrival in Ukraine marked the first such visit since the start of the Ukrainian counteroffensive in early June. Upon his arrival, Blinken expressed the United States’ commitment to supporting Ukraine’s ongoing efforts.

“We want to make sure that Ukraine has what it needs not only to succeed on the counteroffensive but also in the long term,” Blinken stated.

While in Ukraine, Blinken is expected to announce a new $1 billion assistance package, according to State Department officials. This move follows a previous request by US President Joe Biden for Congress to authorize an additional $24 billion in spending for Ukraine.

Russian Claims and Growing Opposition

The Russian Defense Ministry has recently claimed that Kiev suffered “colossal” losses during its summer campaign, with more than 66,000 troops killed and over 7,600 heavy weapons destroyed. President Vladimir Putin, after talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Sochi on Monday, declared that Kiev’s attempts to breach Russian defenses had failed.

Meanwhile, within the United States, there has been growing opposition among lawmakers regarding the continuation of military assistance for Ukraine at current levels, as well as calls for increased oversight. These developments further underscore the complex dynamics at play in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, with no immediate resolution in sight.