(AGENPARL) – ven 20 gennaio 2023 You are subscribed to Press Releases for U.S. Department of State. This information has recently been updated, and is now available.
01/20/2023 02:35 PM EST
Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State
Chicago, Illinois
Ukrainian Cultural Center
SECRETARY BLINKEN: Well, good morning, everyone. I think Senator Durbin and I will have a chance to speak to you a little bit later. I simply wanted to say at the outset what a pleasure it is to be here with my friend and colleague, a great leader, Senator Durbin, but especially to be here with a remarkable community – primarily Ukrainian Americans, other friends of Polish and Baltic extraction – because the community efforts on behalf of Ukraine, on behalf of Ukrainians, are so vitally important both in terms of the support this community is providing to Ukraine, the support it’s mobilizing in extraordinary ways, and also the welcome it’s provided as Ukrainians come to the United States.
We’re just anxious – both of us – to hear about the efforts that you’re making, how we can help. As we like to say, we’re from Washington, and we’re here to help. And we’re just thankful for the chance to listen to you and hear from you today about all your efforts. (Inaudible.)
SENATOR DURBIN: Mr. Secretary, it’s a singular honor for you to be here. We care a lot about America’s future, and we certainly all have a heritage we bring to that American – love of America, as you do, I’m sure. You are seeing a community that is alive and well and strong, and stronger than ever in response to this horrible war that has been created by Vladimir Putin in Ukraine. You will hear from people here whose families are still there in the struggle, and they will tell you firsthand.
And secondly, you’ll meet a lot of people – Ukrainians and others – who want to help, and they want us to help. I am committed to that, and I believe America is committed to that properly. What an honor for you to come today to symbolize that leadership in Washington and the importance of that leadership when it comes to the survival of Ukraine.
Slava Ukraini.
AUDIENCE: Heroiam slava.
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