US and UK diplomats meet Zelenskyy in Kyiv for military support talks

On September 11, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and British Foreign Minister David Lammy met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv to discuss military support amid Ukraine's ongoing conflict with Russia. The talks focused on Ukraine's war objectives and the military equipment needed to achieve them, particularly long-range weaponry. Zelenskyy has been advocating for the use of Western missiles, such as US ATACMS and British Storm Shadows, to strike deep into Russian territory, aiming to diminish Russia's capacity for attacks. Despite the discussions, no immediate breakthrough was reached regarding the provision of long-range strikes, which has been a pressing request from Ukraine. Lammy indicated that discussions would continue over the coming weeks, which may disappoint those in Ukraine hoping for swift action from Western allies. Zelenskyy expressed cautious optimism, emphasizing the importance of strong decisions from partners to support Ukraine's military efforts. Concerns persist in Washington and European capitals about the potential escalation of the conflict if long-range attacks are permitted. Russian officials have warned that allowing Ukraine to use such weapons would implicate the US and its allies as participants in the war. President Biden acknowledged the possibility of compromise regarding the restrictions on long-range weapon use, indicating ongoing deliberations within his administration. During the visit, air raid alerts were triggered, highlighting the ongoing threat from Russian forces. Blinken announced over $700 million in additional support for Ukraine, reflecting the continued commitment of the US and UK to assist Ukraine in its struggle against Russian aggression.