The recent transfer of Iranian missiles to Russia has shifted discussions on Ukraine’s use of Western-supplied long-range missiles, according to UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, who visited Kyiv alongside US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Wednesday. The delivery of these missiles has intensified concerns over the conflict’s escalation, potentially altering Western military support strategies.
UK and US in Kyiv for Strategic Talks
Lammy and Blinken met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to discuss ongoing military and humanitarian aid, as well as Ukraine’s repeated requests to use long-range Western missiles against targets inside Russia. Currently, both the US and the UK have not granted Ukraine the green light to use such weapons over concerns about provoking a broader conflict. However, the delivery of Iranian ballistic missiles to Russia has sparked renewed conversations about lifting these restrictions.
During the visit, Blinken stated that US President Joe Biden would likely address the issue with UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer at the White House later this week. While Lammy refrained from confirming whether the US and UK would ease these restrictions, he emphasized, “I am not prepared to give Putin the advantage.”
Escalation Concerns Amid Missile Transfers
US and UK officials have voiced concerns about Russia’s acquisition of ballistic missiles from Iran, viewing it as a significant escalation. “If anyone is taking escalatory action, it would appear to be Mr. Putin and Russia,” Blinken remarked. This shift in military dynamics has intensified discussions over Ukraine’s right to respond with long-range weapons, as Zelensky reiterated that Ukraine’s victory largely hinges on US support.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha echoed this sentiment, noting that the steps towards easing restrictions on long-range missiles are critical, especially given the reports of Iranian missile transfers to Russia. “We must act boldly,” Sybiha urged.
Increased Aid and Sanctions
In response to the shifting situation, both the US and UK announced new financial packages to support Ukraine. The UK pledged £600 million to aid in humanitarian and stabilization efforts, while the US committed an additional $700 million for energy and demining projects.
In conjunction with these financial commitments, further sanctions were imposed on Iran by the US, UK, France, and Germany, directly related to Tehran’s involvement in supplying ballistic missiles to Russia.
The Road Ahead
While no immediate decisions have been made public regarding the lifting of restrictions on Ukraine’s use of long-range missiles, the shifting dynamics of the war, fueled by the Iranian missile transfers, have altered the calculus. Both the US and UK continue to assess the risks of escalation while weighing the need to ensure Ukraine can defend itself effectively against Russian aggression.
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Source:BBC