Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, on Tuesday. This unscheduled trip marked his first since Congress approved nearly $61 billion in new aid to support Ukraine against the ongoing Russian invasion. The day concluded with Blinken's appearance at the Barman Dictat, where he joined the local band 19.99 to perform Neil Young's "Rockin' in the Free World."
Blinken addressed the audience, acknowledging the hardships faced by Ukrainian soldiers and citizens, particularly in the northeastern region of Kharkiv. He affirmed the United States' commitment to Ukraine and emphasized global support for their cause.
This isn't the first time Blinken has blended music with his diplomatic duties. In October 2023, at a State Department event promoting "music diplomacy," Blinken performed Muddy Waters' "Hoochie Coochie Man," with Foo Fighters' frontman Dave Grohl in attendance. Additionally, Blinken is known for his musical endeavors under the artist name Ablinken on Spotify, including collaborations in a D.C.-based band called Cash Bar Wedding.
Blinken, dressed casually in dad jeans, black sneakers, and a black button-down shirt, shared a brief history of the song "Rockin' in the Free World," and then proceeded to play the guitar and sing the chorus. The song, released in 1989, symbolizes freedom, aligning with Blinken’s message of solidarity with Ukraine.