US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and British Foreign Secretary David Lammy arrived in Kyiv on September 11, 2024, to meet with senior Ukrainian officials. Their visit underscores the West’s support for Ukraine amid its ongoing conflict with Russia.
Key Takeaways
- Blinken and Lammy’s visit highlights Western support for Ukraine.
- Ukrainian President Zelensky is expected to request more advanced weaponry.
- The US and UK are cautious about escalating the conflict with Russia.
- Russia has received ballistic missiles from Iran, according to Blinken.
High-Level Meetings in Kyiv
Blinken and Lammy’s arrival in Kyiv marks a significant moment in the ongoing war. They are set to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and other senior officials to discuss Ukraine’s strategic goals and how the West can assist in achieving them.
Zelensky is likely to renew his appeals for Western missiles, including long-range US ATACMS and British Storm Shadows, to be used against Russian targets. This request comes as Ukraine seeks to limit Moscow’s ability to launch attacks.
Concerns Over Escalation
While the US and UK are considering Ukraine’s requests, there is apprehension about provoking Russia into a direct conflict with the West. US President Joe Biden has indicated that his administration is exploring options but has not committed to lifting restrictions on Ukraine’s use of long-range weapons.
Russian officials have warned that allowing Ukraine to use such weapons would make the US and its allies parties to the war. Blinken has emphasized that multiple factors, including the ability of Ukrainian forces to effectively use and maintain these systems, are being considered.
Battlefield Dynamics
On the battlefield, Ukrainian forces are stretched thin as they try to fend off Russian advances in the east. Last month, Ukraine launched a large-scale incursion into Russia’s Kursk region, initially making rapid progress. However, Russian forces have since regained control of several settlements.
The economic impact of the Kursk incursion is significant, with damages estimated at $931 million. Over 150,000 people have been evacuated from the region.
Iran-Russia Cooperation
Blinken’s visit comes amid reports that Russia has received ballistic missiles from Iran, a claim both countries deny. Blinken warned that this cooperation poses a threat to European security and could escalate the conflict further. The US has imposed new sanctions on Iran in response to the alleged missile transfer.
Humanitarian Impact
The war has resulted in thousands of civilian deaths and the displacement of millions of Ukrainians. Many cities and villages have been reduced to rubble. Russia has intensified its drone and missile attacks on Ukraine, while Ukraine has also launched long-range drone attacks into Russian territory.
Future Plans
Later this month, President Zelensky will travel to the United States to present a plan aimed at ending the war. He will meet with President Biden and other key figures to discuss the way forward.
