On the evening of May 14, during his visit to Kiev, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken made a surprise stop at the popular bar Barman Diktat. The visit was unexpected, but what made it even more special was the fact that Blinken picked up a guitar and performed a rendition of Neil Young’s iconic song «Rockin’ in the Free World». The news was quickly shared by C-SPAN, a popular American TV channel, and it quickly spread across social media.
Blinken’s impromptu performance was met with cheers and applause from the bar’s patrons, who were delighted to see the high-ranking US official let loose and showcase his musical talents. The choice of song was also significant, as «Rockin’ in the Free World» is a powerful anthem that celebrates freedom and democracy, values that are at the core of the US foreign policy.
The visit to Barman Diktat was not on Blinken’s official itinerary, but it was a testament to the strong ties between the US and Ukraine. In his speech earlier that day, Blinken reaffirmed the US’s support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and his impromptu performance only further solidified this message.
Barman Diktat, located in the heart of Kiev, is known for its lively atmosphere and live music performances. The bar’s owner, Ivan, was thrilled to have such a distinguished guest and even joined Blinken on stage for a duet. «It was a surreal moment. I never thought I would be singing with the US Secretary of State in my own bar,» Ivan shared with a smile.
The video of Blinken’s performance quickly went viral, with many praising the Secretary of State for his musical skills and his ability to connect with people. «It’s refreshing to see a politician let loose and have some fun. It shows that they are human too,» one Twitter user commented.
This is not the first time Blinken has shown his musical side. In a previous interview, he revealed that he has been playing the guitar since he was a teenager and even performed at a charity event in Washington DC last year. However, this was his first public performance during an official visit, making it a memorable moment for both Blinken and the people of Ukraine.
The choice of Barman Diktat for this surprise visit also holds significance. The bar is known for its support of the Ukrainian army and its efforts to raise funds for soldiers and their families. Blinken’s visit not only brought attention to this cause but also showed the US’s solidarity with Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia.
The US Secretary of State’s visit to Barman Diktat and his performance of «Rockin’ in the Free World» will be remembered as a special moment in the US-Ukraine relations. It was a reminder that music has the power to bring people together, regardless of their backgrounds or political affiliations. And in this case, it brought together a high-ranking US official and the people of Ukraine, united in their love for music and freedom.
