Blinken and Lammy’s Planned Ukraine Trip to Reaffirm Support

September 10, 2024 TruthUSA

Antony Blinken has also announced that Washington will intensify sanctions on Iran after accusing Tehran of supplying ballistic missiles to Russia for potential use against Ukraine.

Both Foreign Secretary David Lammy and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken are set to visit Ukraine together this week to reaffirm their support for Kyiv in its conflict with Russia.

During a joint press conference in London on Tuesday, Blinken mentioned that one of the objectives of their visit was to listen to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on how the United States and UK can assist Ukraine.

“We will carefully listen to our Ukrainian partners, provide feedback to the prime minister and president Biden in the upcoming days, and I anticipate that they will address this when they meet on Friday,” Blinken stated, in reference to the meeting between President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer in Washington to discuss restrictions on Ukraine’s use of long-range weapons within Russian territory.

When asked about the possibility of Ukraine using UK-supplied Storm Shadow missiles to target Russia, Lammy responded, “It is crucial that we are journeying together to hear the views of our Ukrainian counterparts and president Zelensky on the situation and needs on the ground.”

He further added, “However, it would be inappropriate to discuss operational details in this setting, as it may only benefit Putin, and we do not want to provide him with any advantage during his unlawful invasion.”

Zelenskyy has advocated for the authorization to strike Russian targets using Western missiles, but Downing Street has previously stated that the government’s policy on the use of such weapons remains unchanged.

The Kremlin has warned of retaliation if the UK permits Ukraine to attack Russia using long-range British weapons.

Iranian Missiles in Russia

During their meeting in London, Blinken revealed that the United States would be strengthening sanctions on Iran for allegedly supplying ballistic missiles to Russia, which are anticipated to be deployed against Ukraine in the near future.

“The United States will unveil additional sanctions on Iran today, including further measures on Iran Air,” Blinken stated, acknowledging that other allies are likely to announce their own actions against Tehran.

Blinken cautioned that Iran had been informed that providing ballistic missiles to Russia for use in Ukraine would be seen as a significant escalation.

The Iranian missiles have a maximum range of 75 miles, enabling Russia to target areas beyond the current front line and deeper into Ukrainian territory.

The conflict between Russia and Ukraine began in 2014 when Moscow annexed Crimea and supported pro-Russian separatists in the Donbas War against the Ukrainian military.

The situation escalated in February 2022 when Putin launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine after the Minsk agreements failed to bring peace to the region, which is home to both ethnic Russians and Ukrainians.

The ‘Essential’ Relationship

Lammy described the joint trip as the “first of its kind in a decade,” demonstrating ongoing solidarity between the foreign secretary and U.S. secretary of state.

These announcements were made during Blinken’s visit to London for a UK-U.S. Strategic Dialogue aimed at strengthening the special relationship.

During the meeting, Blinken emphasized that the relationship between the UK and the United States goes beyond special, referring to it as “essential.”

“It is essential for our nations, our people, and people far beyond our shores,” he remarked.

Prior to the meeting, Lammy mentioned that discussions would cover defense, security, the Middle East, and other global priorities.

A statement from the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office indicated that the two officials would also address an “re-energised and enhanced economic partnership,” with the UK and United States already sharing a $1 trillion investment relationship.

Lammy stated, “The UK has no greater ally than America. The special relationship has been cherished on both sides of the Atlantic for over 80 years, and together we are dedicated to fortifying our alliance to bring security and prosperity to the people of both nations.”

“In a world that is more volatile and insecure, it is crucial that we are closely aligned nations. Together, we are revitalizing our economic partnership, collaborating to address global insecurity, and facing the future with unity and confidence.”

Efforts to enhance the Anglo-American partnership come after Starmer engaged in visits across Europe following his election on July 4, aiming to “reset” relations with the EU.

PA Media and Rachel Roberts contributed to this report.

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