Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., recently visited Chicago and viewed the "Children of War" art exhibit featuring the artwork of the children of Ukraine.
Blinken and Durbin visited the Ukrainian Cultural Center and the exhibit at the Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art, according to a Jan. 20 news release.
"Senator Durbin and I toured the 'Children of War' exhibit, featuring powerful art by Ukrainian children,” Blinken said in a post on Twitter. “With our allies and partners, we continue to support Ukraine’s efforts to defend against and repel Russia’s attacks against Ukraine’s civilians."
Blinken said he was moved by the artwork of the exhibit, according to the release.
“I think it's a powerful reminder to each and every one of us that this war, this aggression, is not an abstraction," BLinken said in the release. "It's having an impact on real people's lives; it's affecting, tearing apart the lives of children.”
Durbin pointed out Ukraine is possibly the most dangerous spot in what is already a dangerous world, noting the residents are fighting for their lives, according to the release. He said they faced 11 months of “devastation and destruction,” since Russia invaded, but have also been courageous in standing up for their values.
Durbin praised the work of Secretary of State Blinken, saying it was an honor to have him visit Chicago, the release said. The two were able to hold a forum to meet with community leaders and hear about their support efforts, as well as recently resettled refugees.
“We just had a very productive and positive meeting to discuss what is happening in Ukraine and what we can do to give more strength to our relationship and support in the future,” Durbin said in the release.
Blinkin added the community’s ability to mobilize and organize the needs of refugees is a “profound expression of what our country’s all about: supporting each other, but also supporting others in times of need,” according to the release
"Wrapping up a wonderful visit to the Windy City," Blinken said in another Twitter post. "Grateful for the warm hospitality and inspired by my meetings with a variety of community members who are leading efforts to help refugees and contribute to our foreign policy from a local level."
