Secretary of State Antony Blinken's surprise meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky — reported this evening by the AP — came the same day the only Ukrainian-born member of Congress called for the U.S. to resume diplomatic services in the country.
Why it matters: The trip by Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin was fraught with risks — but just the kind Rep. Victoria Spartz (R-Ind.) said the U.S. must take.
- "In any job, whether it's a political job or diplomatic job, you do take some risks — you need to be smart — but, also, that's a part of your job: to do your service," she said on CNN's "State of the Union."
- "A lot of people, a lot of countries are actually bringing [diplomats] back to Kyiv, but the least we can do actually is bring it maybe to Lviv."
- "If you're not on the ground, it's very difficult to do your job. So, I think, it's important, and also sends a strong message for Ukrainian people," Spartz said.
Blinken and Austin are the highest-ranking U.S. officials to meet with Ukraine's leader since the war began on Feb. 24.
- The secretary of State stepped briefly onto Ukrainian soil while visiting Poland in March. He met then with the country's foreign minister.
Between the lines: Blinken's trip to Europe — cloaked in such secrecy administration colleagues refused to discuss it prior to him arriving — starts a big week for him....
- An administration source said the secretary will testify on Capitol Hill on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
- Among his stops, Axios has learned, are appearances before both