To counter the Russian advance, Kiev has consistently sought authorization to strike more distant targets in Russia using Western-supplied long-range missiles, while Moscow, in turn, is accused of receiving ballistic missiles from Iran. “We are working urgently to continue to ensure that Ukraine has what it needs to defend itself effectively,” Blinken told a news conference, adding that US President Joe Biden and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer would discuss the issue together Friday.
“We have adapted and adapted to changing needs, to changing battlefield conditions, and I have no doubt that we will continue to do so as the situation evolves,” he reiterated. “Our support will not weaken, our unity will not be broken,” added Mr. Blinken, who said he saw his visit as a sign of commitment to Ukraine's “victory.”
Alongside him, his Ukrainian counterpart Andriï Sybiga called “to lift all restrictions on the use of American and British weapons against legitimate military targets in Russia.” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stressed early Wednesday that his country's “victory” in this war depends “essentially” on the United States. Mr. Blinken also announced on Wednesday a new $717 million in aid for Ukraine's energy sector, which has been devastated by Russian bombing, drinking water supplies and demining.
“Hundreds” of anti-aircraft missiles
David Lammy, whose two-month-old Labor government has pledged to remain one of Ukraine's main backers, has promised to deliver “hundreds” of anti-aircraft missiles by the end of the year, tens of thousands of artillery shells and armored vehicles. He reiterated his government's commitment to provide 600 billion pounds (710 million euros) of economic aid to Kiev.
Ukraine received some good financial news on Tuesday, with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) announcing a deal that opens the door to a new $1.1 billion aid tranche. Western countries, including the United States, have so far refused to greenlight strikes deep into Russian territory, fearing an escalation that could lead to direct conflict with Moscow. The Pentagon also estimated that such an authorization would not be “decisive” in turning the tide of the war.
Asked about this topic in Washington, US President Joe Biden assured that he was “thinking right now” about the question. Mr Blinken said “let's not rule out” the green light. For its part, the Kremlin warned on Wednesday that Russia would provide an “appropriate” response if Ukraine were authorized to use these weapons against its territory.
Iranian missiles
Ukraine also asked its neighbors on Wednesday to shoot down Russian missiles and drones when they fly over the west of the country, such as during a recent strike on the city of Lviv. “The Russians […] they are hitting installations near the NATO border more and more often”, argued the head of Ukrainian diplomacy, Andriï Sybiga, who called for a “joint, firm and decisive response”.
Lithuania, a major supporter of Ukraine, has said NATO jets stationed in the Baltic states should shoot down Russian drones in the airspace of its country and its neighbors after several recent incidents involving planes being shot over Moscow. The debate over restrictions on missiles delivered to Ukraine comes as Washington warned this week of Iran's delivery of short-range missiles to Russia, which it could use to strike Ukrainian territory within weeks.