Ukraine gains crucial UK missile support amid US‑UK Kyiv talks
The United Kingdom has decided to allow Ukraine to use Storm Shadow cruise missiles to attack targets in Russia. The Guardian, citing sources in the British government, obtained this information.
This decision was made during a meeting between U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and British Foreign Secretary David Lammy in Kyiv on September 11.
During their trip, representatives of the United Kingdom met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to discuss attacks using Western long-range weapons on Russian territory.
Sources for the newspaper report that Blinken and Lammy travelled together to Kyiv only because a favourable decision had been made regarding Storm Shadow. At the same time, "The Guardian" notes that if Lammy had publicly announced the decision in Kyiv, his words could have been considered an unnecessary provocation.
This is excellent news for Ukraine, which may nonetheless impose restrictions on missile usage "to avoid reckless or unnecessary attacks."
The United States wants to support Ukraine
During his visit to Kyiv, Blinken said that the United States is ready "from day one" to adjust its policy to help Ukraine in its fight against the Russian aggressor. "We will continue to do this," he said.
Blinken said that he decided to listen directly to Zelensky and other Ukrainian officials about Kyiv's goals in this war and what Washington can do to help achieve them.
After the meeting, Volodymyr Zelensky said that he had a "very substantive and long conversation" with Antony Blinken and David Lammy.
We discussed all key issues. It is important that Ukrainian arguments are heard. This includes the long-range weapons, the supply of combat brigades on the front lines, and the overall strategy for achieving a just peace - said Zelensky.
After meeting with the President of Ukraine, Blinken promised to convey Kyiv's position to U.S. President Joe Biden, and Lammy to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
The leaders of the United States and the United Kingdom plan to meet on September 13 in Washington.
