Wed Sep 11 11:04:33 UTC 2024: ## US and UK Diplomats Visit Kyiv, Discuss Easing Restrictions on Weapon Strikes into Russia

**KYIV** – US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and British Foreign Secretary David Lammy arrived in Kyiv on Wednesday for a joint visit, where they will discuss further easing restrictions on Western weapons being used to strike targets in Russia. This move comes amid growing concerns regarding Iran’s alleged sale of missiles to Russia.

The visit follows Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s continued requests for more powerful weaponry with fewer limitations. While US President Joe Biden has indicated that he is considering the use of longer-range weapons, he has also emphasized the need to avoid a direct conflict with Russia.

Blinken, who is on his fifth trip to Kyiv since the invasion, stressed the US commitment to providing Ukraine with necessary weapons to counter Russian aggression. However, he highlighted the need to ensure Ukrainian forces can effectively operate and maintain the equipment.

The Kremlin has vowed to respond “appropriately” should Washington loosen its restrictions on weapon use. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov asserted that such authorization would serve as justification for the ongoing Russian offensive.

Meanwhile, Ukraine received positive news with the International Monetary Fund reaching a staff-level agreement that could lead to a US$1.1 billion loan. However, the US has expressed concerns about Russia’s potential use of short-range Iranian-made missiles against Ukraine within weeks.

The UK has repeatedly urged the US to loosen restrictions on weapons supplied to Ukraine, including the Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) that can strike targets up to 300km away. British media reports suggest President Biden may be ready to lift objections to Ukraine firing long-range Storm Shadow missiles into Russia.

The visit comes at a critical juncture, as the war drags on and the potential for escalation remains high. The outcome of this visit and the subsequent decisions on weapon supplies could significantly influence the course of the conflict.

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