KYIV- U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has stated that Ukraine is making significant progress in its counteroffensive against Russia's invasion, despite the visit being overshadowed by a Russian attack that resulted in the tragic death of at least 17 people.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy condemned the attack on a crowded market in Kostiantynivka, near Bakhmut, as a deliberate act of aggression against a peaceful city. Russia has not immediately commented on the attack and has consistently denied intentionally targeting civilians during its 18-month-long invasion.

During his visit to Kyiv, Blinken announced a new U.S. assistance package worth over $1 billion, including support for Ukraine's air defenses, emphasizing the acceleration of progress in Ukraine's counteroffensive in recent weeks.

Some U.S. media reports have criticized the pace and tactics of Ukraine's counteroffensive, leading to a sharp response from Ukrainian officials. Nonetheless, Ukraine has managed to reclaim numerous villages and settlements in its push into Russian-held territory, although it faces challenges like minefields and trenches.

The new U.S. aid includes missile launch systems, antitank weapons, tanks, and other weaponry, as well as depleted uranium ammunition. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov suggested that the U.S. funding of Ukraine's military would not alter Russia's military operations.

Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba and Blinken discussed the possibility of the U.S. providing ATACMS long-range missiles, with Kuleba emphasizing that arming Ukraine is a means to protect the world from Russian aggression.

The European Union condemned the Kostiantynivka market attack as "heinous and barbaric" and pledged accountability for those responsible.

Blinken's visit coincided with Ukraine's parliament approving the appointment of Rust Umerov as defense minister, following the dismissal of Oleksii Reznikov.

During his journey to Kyiv, Blinken held discussions with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, expressing gratitude for Denmark's donation of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine and its leadership in a coalition to train Ukrainian pilots.

The U.S. government has provided substantial military aid to Ukraine since Russia's invasion in February 2022, amounting to over $43 billion. Concerns have arisen about the continuity of U.S. support for Ukraine, particularly as the 2024 U.S. presidential election campaign gains momentum, with some Republican presidential candidates questioning the aid.