Blinken meets UK leaders to discuss Ukraine and Mideast strategies
- Blinken and Lammy arrived in Kyiv to support Ukraine's request for long-range missile capabilities against Russia.
- Ukrainian officials highlighted the need for such weapons to enhance civilian safety amid ongoing Russian aggression.
- The visit signals strong U.S.-U.K. support for Ukraine as it faces a brutal winter of intensified attacks.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and British Foreign Secretary David Lammy visited Kyiv on a joint mission to support Ukraine amid its ongoing conflict with Russia. Their arrival followed a U.S. presidential debate where the war in Ukraine was a key topic. Ukraine has been urging Western allies for long-range missile capabilities to target Russian positions, especially in light of recent reports of Russia acquiring new weapons from Iran, which Ukraine views as a significant threat. Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal expressed hope for increased military support, emphasizing that the ability to strike military targets in Russia would enhance the safety of Ukrainian civilians. He condemned Russia's use of Iranian missiles as part of a genocidal campaign against Ukraine, asserting the need for a robust response to such aggression. The visit by Blinken and Lammy is strategically timed ahead of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer's upcoming meeting with President Biden, where Ukraine's request for long-range strike capabilities is expected to be a focal point. While Biden has permitted Ukraine to use U.S.-provided missiles defensively, there are concerns about escalating the conflict further. Additionally, the U.K. government announced sanctions against ten commercial ships accused of illegally transporting Russian oil, reinforcing its commitment to international sanctions. This joint diplomatic effort underscores the U.S. and U.K.'s unified stance in supporting Ukraine as it braces for a challenging winter marked by intensified Russian attacks on its energy infrastructure.