Secretary of State Antony Blinken played Neil Young's 'Rockin' in the Free World' at a venue in Kyiv, Ukraine, receiving mixed reviews. Some felt it was inappropriate given the struggles in the battlefield against Russia, while others saw it as a cultural diplomacy moment. The performance sparked different reactions among Ukrainians and war veterans.
Key Points
Blinken's out-of-tune guitar performance
Mixed reviews on the appropriateness of the performance
Criticism for Washington's perceived tardiness in providing military aid
Pros
Cultural diplomacy moment showcasing empathy and support for the Ukrainian people through music
Cons
Perceived as inappropriate by some Ukrainians given the ongoing struggles in the battlefield against Russia