US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy have made a joint visit to Kyiv as Ukraine intensifies its appeal for the right to deploy long-range missiles sourced from the US and the UK against Russia.
The two officials traveled to the Ukrainian capital following discussions in London and are set to meet with President Volodymyr Zelensky, who has consistently urged the US to ease restrictions on military aid. Blinken emphasized the visit’s purpose is to “hear directly from the Ukrainian leadership” regarding their objectives and what can be done to address their needs.
President Joe Biden noted prior to the meeting that his administration is currently “working” on a decision regarding the lifting of missile restrictions.
This policy faces further examination as UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is scheduled to meet Biden at the White House on Friday. Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal expressed gratitude for the UK’s ongoing military support while also urging for long-range strike capabilities to target Russian positions effectively.
Currently, both the US and UK refrain from granting permission for Ukraine to utilize long-range missiles against targets in Russia, citing concerns about escalatory risks. The UK has supplied Storm Shadow missiles, with a range of approximately 250 kilometers (155 miles), but these have been restricted to targets within occupied Ukrainian territories thus far.
Ukrainian officials contend that access to long-range missiles is vital to strike air bases utilized by Russian forces conducting extensive attacks with glide bombs from afar. The Kremlin responded, stating that it would react “appropriately” if Ukrainian missile strikes were permitted by the US on Russian territory.
In light of this, President Biden acknowledged ongoing deliberations about lifting the restrictions on Ukraine’s use of long-range weapons. Earlier this year, the US relaxed some limitations, allowing Ukrainian operations on its border where Russian forces have established firing positions.
Allied nations have been supplying long-range weaponry with specified restrictions to prevent escalation that could ensnare NATO into direct conflict or provoke fears of nuclear tensions.
During his recent visits, Blinken accused Iran of supplying short-range ballistic missiles to Russia, predicting their potential deployment against Ukraine within weeks. Lammy labeled this development a “significant and dangerous escalation.”
The introduction of these missiles could enhance Russia’s strike capabilities against Ukrainian cities near its borders while utilizing longer-range systems deeper within Ukrainian territories. Iran has continued to deny providing such weapons to Russia.
In a separate development, the US, UK, France, and Germany have imposed new sanctions on Iran for its role in supplying ballistic missiles to Russia for use in the Ukraine conflict. The sanctions include restrictions on Iran Air’s operations to the UK and Europe, along with travel bans and asset freezes targeting individuals accused of supporting military endeavors in Russia.
