US, UK envoys pledge $1.5bn in additional aid for Ukraine

The United States and Britain pledged nearly $1.5 billion in additional aid to Ukraine on Wednesday during a visit to Kyiv by their top diplomats as Ukrainian officials renewed their pleas to use Western-provided missiles against targets deeper inside Russia. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced more than USD 700 million in humanitarian aid, while British Foreign Secretary David Lammy confirmed that his country would provide another USD 782 million in assistance and loan guarantees. Much of the effort was aimed at bolstering the energy grid that Russia has repeatedly pounded ahead of an expected difficult winter. Blinken and Lammy travelled together to the Ukrainian capital on a rare joint tour to underscore their commitment to the country in its war.

Two airraid sirens sounded during the visit, causing delays in their schedule, including forcing them to cancel a wreath-laying ceremony. Blinken said he would bring the discussion with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy about the missiles back to Washington to brief the president. Blinken said US President Joe Biden and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will no doubt talk about the issue when they meet Friday in Washington.

Speaking for the United States, we have adjusted and adapted as needs have changed, as the battlefield has changed. And I have no doubt that we'll continue to do that as this evolves, Blinken told a news conference. The diplomatic visit unfolded as Russia's bigger and better-equipped army bears down on Ukraine's eastern Donetsk region and pounds the country with missiles, glide bombs and drones that claim many civilian casualties.

Lammy said the 2 1/2- year conflict is at a critical juncture following Ukraine's daring incursion last month into Russia's Kursk region, even as it tries to defend against its neighbour's aerial attacks on cities across the country. Biden has allowed Ukraine to fire US-provided missiles across the border into Russia in self-defence, but has largely limited the distance they can be fired. Zelenskyy said he hoped for changes to those limitations. Let's count on some strong decisions, at least, he said.