The message from Tuesday night’s musical debut of Antony Blinken in Kiev was undeniable. Clearly, the US secretary of state unexpectedly made an appearance on stage in a Kyiv pub. He performed Neil Young’s “Rockin’ in the Free World” with Ukrainian band 19.99.
Antony Blinken’s Performance
Blinken, who performed vocals and played guitar for the punk/jazz group, surprised everyone. Wearing worn jeans and a black shirt, the US diplomat started singing Neil Young’s hit song.
Antony Blinken’s Speech
Significantly, after making a brief speech expressing sympathy with Ukrainians facing a fresh Russian onslaught in the northeast of the country, he performed with a local jazz-punk band.
But maybe even more unexpected was Blinken’s Tuesday night appearance at Barman Dictat. Also, the bar is a well-liked dive bar and music venue located right off Khreshchatyk. The pub is well-liked by soldiers on leave and veterans of war, with its strong metal doors and wall reinforcements.
Zelenskiy’s Concern For Air Protection
After Antony Blinken’s performance, opinions in Kyiv were divided. Some Ukrainians, like as Tymofiy Mylovanov, the former minister of economy, said they would rather see more guns delivered than hearsay.
On Tuesday, Zelenskiy begged the secretary of state to grant Kharkiv air protection from two Patriot air-defense batteries as the city endures months of constant bombing and Russia launches a new front north of the country’s second-largest city.