U.S. pledges £600m aid amid discussions on long-range strikes
The Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, stated that during discussions in Kyiv, the topic of using long-range weapons to target military objectives deep within Russia was raised. "I plan to return to Washington and brief President Biden on what I heard," Blinken added.
During a joint press conference, Antony Blinken announced that President Volodymyr Zelensky would meet U.S. President Joe Biden in Washington. The meeting is scheduled to take place on Friday, 13th September.
Talks about a deep attack in Russia
Blinken admitted that discussions in Kyiv included the use of long-range weapons on targets deep within Russia. "I plan to return to Washington with this information and inform the President about what I heard," Blinken said.
Blinken added that the fear of escalating the war due to attacks deep within Russian territory using U.S.-supplied missiles is one of the factors the United States is considering when deciding whether to lift the ban on such attacks. However, it is not the only or decisive factor.
A package worth over £600 million
The U.S. Secretary of State also announced a new support package for Ukraine worth approximately £600 million, which includes funding to help Ukraine's energy system and humanitarian aid.
"Today, we announce that we will allocate £272 million for the reconstruction of Ukraine's energy grid and electricity systems, and additional support from G7 countries will be obtained during the Energy Coordination Group meeting in the coming weeks," he assured.
He also announced £242 million for new humanitarian aid to provide basic services such as safe drinking water, food, shelter, and medicine.
"And finally, we are announcing an allocation of £85 million in additional funding for demining, which will help clear the territory of mines and unexploded ordnance left by Russia across Ukraine," Blinken said.
Earlier, President Volodymyr Zelensky said that without U.S. assistance, Ukraine would not be able to win the war against Russia. "We expect Washington to allow us to use American weapons to strike targets deep within Russia," he stated.
"We want Ukraine to win"
"Our dialogue, which takes place every week and every month with the United States, is very important to us. The U.S. has given us and continues to give us the greatest military and financial support. We are counting on that, and without it, we will not be able to win the war," the head of state said at a press conference after the Crimea Platform summit in Kyiv.
"While I am optimistic about their (the U.S.) decision to allow us to use long-range weapons, that decision does not depend on my optimism; it depends on their optimism. That is very important to us now. In any case, I expect a dialogue with President Biden of the United States this month," Zelensky emphasised before Blinken announced the meeting with Biden.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken also assured continued support for Ukraine, as "it is not dependent on any country, any party, or any elections."
"We want Ukraine to win," he assured.
