The United States and the United Kingdom have announced a combined $1.5 billion in support for Ukraine and pledged to swiftly address Kiev’s requests for easing restrictions on weapons capable of striking deeper into Russia.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy made this joint declaration during a rare visit to Kiev on Wednesday, showcasing their solidarity with Ukraine amid the escalating conflict.
Blinken, who traveled to Kiev with Lammy via a nine-hour train journey, revealed that the US will contribute $717 million in new economic aid to Ukraine.
This aid will include significant support for strengthening Ukraine’s electricity infrastructure, which has been heavily damaged by Russian attacks as winter approaches.
Blinken accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of using “his winter playbook” to weaponize the cold against Ukrainians, emphasizing that US support would remain steadfast and unified.
Lammy confirmed that the UK will provide £600 million ($782 million) in economic assistance and deliver hundreds of new air-defense missiles to Ukraine this year. Britain has also been a strong advocate for reducing restrictions on Ukraine’s use of weapons.
As the conflict continues, there are concerns about Russia’s potential acquisition of short-range Iranian missiles, which could enhance Moscow’s military capabilities. Both Moscow and Tehran have denied these allegations.
President Volodymyr Zelensky, who has intensified his requests for advanced weaponry and fewer restrictions, thanked both nations for their support in an online post.
He stressed the need for continued attention to Ukraine’s requests, including long-range weapons and additional combat brigades, as well as a comprehensive strategy for achieving a just peace.
Blinken stated that the US would consider these requests with urgency, noting that they will be discussed further during a meeting on Friday between President Joe Biden and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
The Kremlin has warned that any expansion of missile ranges would elicit an “appropriate” response, though specific details were not provided. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov suggested that such moves would further validate Moscow’s rationale for its offensive, which he claimed was a reaction to Western support for Ukraine.
The US has already approved the use of Western weapons against Russian forces in direct conflict across the border. Reports indicate that Biden may soon lift objections to allowing Ukraine to use long-range Storm Shadow missiles.
Additionally, Ukraine is pressing for the relaxation of restrictions on US-supplied Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS), which can target up to 300 kilometers (190 miles) away.
Debate continues in Washington, with both Republican and Democratic lawmakers urging swift action on the ATACMS issue.
However, a potential victory by Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump in the upcoming November election could lead to significant shifts in US policy towards Ukraine, with Trump suggesting that aid might be used to compel Ukraine to make territorial concessions to Russia.
