U.S. announces $700 million in aid for Ukraine's energy grid and more | 11 Sept 2024 | U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced more than $700 million in aid for Ukraine Wednesday during a visit to Kyiv, aiming to bolster the energy grid that Russia has repeatedly pounded ahead of an expected difficult winter. The announcement came while Blinken was on a rare joint tour with British Foreign Secretary David Lammy after the two top diplomats traveled together to the Ukrainian capital to underscore their commitment to the country in its war with Russia. Blinken said the assistance also would provide humanitarian support and pay for mine-removal operations.