In an attempt to boost Ukrainian morale, the U.S. Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, took to the guitar on May 14th to emphasise the message of American and world solidarity with Ukraine, alongside the importance of fighting for a ‘free world.’
Strumming to the tunes of Neil Young’s “Rockin’ in the Free World” alongside 19.99’s set, the choice of song also held special importance, celebrating American victory over Russian communism, given its release in 1989, the same year the Berlin Wall fell. Ukraine and other nations of the Soviet Union were to attain independence just two years later.
Adding to its significance is the resuming of war-time supply to Ukranian forces from America. Blinken’s undisclosed visit to Kyiv came following a much-delayed aid package approved only last month that proved detrimental to the nation due to Russian military advances around Kharkiv.
However, the military aid was subject to attack from the Russian military forces, where 10 of the American ATACMS (Army Tactical Missile System) were taken down over the Black Sea, according to the ministry. While unclarified by the ministry, the Russia-installed governor claimed that weapons debris hit residential areas, although no one was found to be injured as of yet.
Even so, the attacks have led to the closures of airports such as Kazan and Nizhnekamsk as a temporary measure, alongside blasts at a Rostovian fuel depot. Drones, too, were under attack, where 17 drones were intercepted over areas such as Kursk, Bryansk and Belgorod.
This puts the Russia-Ukraine conflict in a “critical situation”, given Russia’s recent advancement towards Kharkiv. Last week, fresh attacks on the region led to civilians fleeing the area in thousands following the capture of over nine villages.
Thus, the attack over delayed ammunition only further worsens the already bleak picture meted out towards the future of the war on Ukraine’s end. Thus, Secretary Blinken’s speech and performance reinforce Ukrainian resistance at a crucial moment.
Blinken’s performance highlights some of the most crucial axioms of Biden’s tenure that espouse democracy’s ongoing tussle against authoritarianism.
The track’s choice has garnered criticism due to its original intent as a critique of American society under the Bush Presidency, alongside remarks of leisure amidst violence in both Kharkiv and Gaza. Certain Republican voices have also gone to the extent of accusing the American Presidency of being unserious and tone-deaf due to the casual event.
Blinken playing guitar at a Ukrainian nightclub.
How is this real life?
— Dave Rubin (@RubinReport) May 14, 2024
Outcome of Blinken’s visit to Ukraine
However, given the lesser degree of attention paid to the formal proceedings between both governments regarding the military deals, Blinken’s performance at the underground bar in Kyiv seems to have met its goal, with Blinken’s performance going viral by Tuesday.
Thus, the rest of Blinken’s trip also left no stone unturned to emphasise Ukraine’s perseverance throughout the war, through the example of agriculture and the navy:
