Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sibiga held a joint press conference with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, who are in Kiev to attend the 4th Crimea Platform Leaders’ Summit.
Sibiga reported that he and the guest ministers discussed the developments regarding the ongoing war in his country.
Noting that steps to strengthen Ukraine’s defense capabilities were discussed at the meeting, Sibiga said, “The main topic of our conversation with our colleagues today is the strengthening of our state’s defense capabilities. Air defense, F-16 (fighter jets), artillery shells, drones, armored vehicles and other equipment – everything that is used for victory.”
Sibiga also stressed the importance of increasing local production and investments in purchasing weapons for the Ukrainian army, saying: “This is a way to rapidly increase military aid to Ukraine and preserve the resources of our allies.”
Ukraine’s request for use of long-range weapons discussed
Blinken, on the other hand, stated that he received information from Ukrainian officials about the latest developments on the front as part of his contacts in Kiev.
Blinken noted that they discussed with Ukrainian leaders the issue of permission requested by Ukraine to use long-range weapons provided by Western countries, and said he would convey this information to US President Joe Biden.
Blinken noted that Biden and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will meet in Washington on Friday, September 13, and they may also discuss Ukraine’s demands for the use of long-range weapons.
Blinken also announced that they would provide a total of $717 million in aid to Ukraine, including $325 million for the repair of the energy system damaged by Russian attacks, $290 for humanitarian aid and $102 for mine clearance efforts.
UK to provide £3bn annual military aid to Ukraine
British Foreign Secretary Lammy said that they would continue to provide military aid to Ukraine every year, adding: “I am proud of Prime Minister Starmer’s determination to provide the 3 billion (pounds sterling) worth of military aid you need every year in your fight.”
Lammy reported that the UK has also accelerated the supply of military equipment to Ukraine, including air defence missiles, equipment required for F-16 fighter jets, AS-90 type self-propelled artillery systems, military boats and naval guns.
Minister Lammy said, “We will also be sending additional air defense missiles, tens of thousands of additional artillery shells and more armored personnel carriers to Ukraine by the end of the year.” Lammy also reminded that the UK government announced a £600 million aid package for Ukraine today.
Zelenskyy receives Lammy and Blinken
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy received British Foreign Minister Lammy and US Secretary of State Blinken in Kiev.
Zelenskyy, in a post on his Telegram account, said he met with Lammy and Blinken, adding, “All important issues were discussed. It is important to listen to Ukraine’s arguments. This applies to both long-range weapons (use) and assistance to its military units on the front lines, as well as the general strategy to approach a just peace.”
Zelenskyy thanked the United States and Britain for supporting his country.
Source: www.dunya.com
