UK foreign secretary David Lammy has condemned Russian “imperialism” as he visited Kyiv on a joint trip with his US counterpart Antony Blinken.
Mr Lammy warned the security of Ukraine, Europe and the West were at stake and reiterated Britain’s ongoing support for Ukraine at a press conference in Kyiv on Wednesday.
It comes as Mr Blinken pledged over $700m in humanitarian aid for the country – which was invaded by Vladimir Putin in February 2022 – for energy, food, water and de-mining initiatives.
The two countries’ top diplomats arrived in the Ukrainian capital this morning after announcing the joint trip, the first of its kind in almost a decade.
They are due to meet Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky, who has consistently asked Kyiv’s western partners to allow them to use donated UK and US long-range missiles on targets in the Russian mainland.
Ahead of the talks, Zelensky said on Wednesday: “Let’s count on some strong decisions on this. For us it is very important for today.”
The White House has reportedly been hesitant to give the green light to Kyiv over fears Russia could then escalate the conflict.
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Alexander Butler11 September 2024 23:00
Where are the frontlines now as Kremlin claims advances in Donetsk?
Alexander Butler11 September 2024 22:00
What is the Storm Shadow cruise missile? The British weapon banned from use in Russia by Ukrainian troops
The US appears poised to lift restrictions on long-range missiles being used by Ukraine to target deep inside Russia, which would free up British-made Storm Shadow cruise missiles to also be used.
high-level talks are taking place over the issue, which Ukraine says is crucial for defending against Russia’s invasion.
US secretary of state Antony Blinken, UK foreign secretary David Lammy and president Volodymyr Zelensky are due to discuss the issue at a meeting in Kyiv on Wednesday, with Mr Blinken saying the war has entered a “critical moment”.
Until now the Storm Shadow missiles have been limited to Russian targets operating inside Ukraine, as well as in occupied Crimea.
The missiles were likely used in the largest Ukrainian attack on the headquarters of Russia’s Black Sea fleet last year at Sevastopol.
Alexander Butler11 September 2024 21:00
The new underground hospital saving lives near the frontline in eastern Ukraine
Ukraine has built its first steel, underground frontline hospital in a bid to provide “critical” first aid to severely wounded soldiers.
The complex, which comprises two full-scale operating theatres and six enlarged steel bunkers, is capable of housing around 100 soldiers.
The Ministry of Defence said the hospital is capable of both stabilising the wounded and performing up to four surgeries simultaneously.
It has been supplied with alternative power sources, ventilation and water supply, allowing it to operate without additional support if the area comes under threat.
Alexander Butler11 September 2024 20:00
Comment: Will letting Ukraine use long-range missiles push Putin over the edge?
The joint visit to Kyiv by the US secretary of state, Antony Blinken, and our own foreign secretary, David Lammy, is much more than that latest show of trans-Atlantic support for Ukraine.
The possible lifting of restrictions on the use of the US and UK’s longer-range missiles is widely being billed as a “game-changing” move, one that would enable strategic targets deeper within Russia to be hit by Ukrainian forces for the first time. Lammy has said that the West is “listening carefully” to Ukraine’s needs.
Certainly for President Zelensky, it comes at a critical moment, as the solidity of the EU’s backing of the war appears to be wavering.
WithGermany going “wobbly” as its domestically embattled Chancellor Scholz calls for a peace conference, and with winter now approaching, the Anglo-American show of support for Ukraine is vitally important.
Read the full article here:
Alexander Butler11 September 2024 19:00
David Lammy slams Russian ‘imperialism’
UK foreign secretary David Lammy has slammed Russian “imperialism” and “fascism” as he warned the liberty of Ukraine, Europe and the West were at stake.
It comes after Britain pledged to provide a further £600 million of support for Ukraine as he visited Kyiv with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
The British government said it would provide £242 million of funding, including for humanitarian needs, and £484 million in loan guarantees for World Bank lending to Ukraine before the end of the year.
Alexander Butler11 September 2024 17:51
US pledges over $700m in humanitarian support
Speaking at a joint US-UK press conference in Kyiv, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has announced over $700m in humanitarian support for the country.
Mr Blinken announced $323m in support for Ukraine’s energy grid, $290m in support for food, water and medicine, and $102m in support for de-mining.
Alexander Butler11 September 2024 17:46
Pictured: Joint US-UK press conference in Ukraine
Alexander Butler11 September 2024 17:43
Lammy and Blinken hold joint press conference
David Lammy and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken are holding a joint press conference in Ukraine as pressure builds to remove restrictions on long-range missiles.
Volodymir Zelensky, the Ukrainian president, on Wednesday called on Britain and America to make a “strong decision” on the matter.
Follow the livestream here:
Alexander Butler11 September 2024 17:25
Watch live as David Lammy and Antony Blinken hold press conference in Kyiv
Alexander Butler11 September 2024 17:02