"Russian Missile Strike Claims 17 Lives at Ukraine Market Amid Blinken's Visit, U.S. Pledges Further Assistance"

A Russian missile strike on a market in eastern Ukraine killed at least 17 people, coinciding with U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken's unannounced visit to Kyiv to show support and offer more U.S. assistance. Blinken's trip aims to assess Ukraine's counteroffensive against Russia and signal continued U.S. support, as concerns about progress after 18 months of war arise. The visit includes discussions on military aid, reconstruction efforts, alternative export routes for Ukrainian grain, and support for Ukraine's war-torn economy. Blinken's decision to stay overnight in Kyiv is seen as a symbolic signal of American support, and he aims to evaluate the progress of the counteroffensive and determine the support needed in the current phase of the battle.