US, UK Pledge $1.5B In Aid For Ukraine During Kyiv Diplomatic Visit
Date
9/12/2024 5:01:43 AM
(MENAFN- Khaama Press) The United States and Britain pledged nearly $1.5 billion in additional aid to Ukraine on Wednesday during a visit to Kyiv by their top diplomats. This commitment came as Ukrainian officials renewed their pleas for Western-provided missiles to target deeper inside Russia.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced over $700 million in humanitarian aid, while British Foreign Secretary David Lammy confirmed an additional $782 million in assistance and loan guarantees. The aid aims to strengthen Ukraine's energy grid, which Russian attacks have severely damaged, reported by Associate Press.
Blinken and Lammy's joint visit to Kyiv, which was marked by repeated air-raid sirens, underscored their commitment to Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict. The visit caused delays and led to the cancellation of a planned wreath-laying ceremony.
Blinken said he would report back to President Biden about the discussions on missile requests. He indicated that President Biden and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer would likely discuss this issue during their meeting on Friday.
The situation in Ukraine is dire, with Russia's advanced military targeting the eastern Donetsk region and conducting aerial attacks that have resulted in numerous civilian casualties. Lammy described the conflict as being at a“critical” juncture.
Ukrainian officials have continued to press for authorization to use long-range weapons against targets in Russia. The urgency of this request has increased with reports of Russia acquiring ballistic missiles from Iran, but Western leaders remain cautious.
U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has expressed skepticism about the impact of long-range strikes, suggesting that such capabilities alone may not be decisive. Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal hopes for an agreement on using long-range assets to strike enemy territory.
The substantial aid from the U.S. and Britain underscores their ongoing support for Ukraine, though critical issues like long-range weaponry remain unresolved. The combined international effort highlights the need for continued collaboration to address Ukraine's urgent needs and strategic challenges.
Moreover, the complexity of the situation is reflected in Western leaders' cautious approach, which balances immediate aid with the long-term implications of military support. As winter and geopolitical uncertainties loom, the commitment of allies will be crucial in shaping Ukraine's path forward.
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