Western Leaders Meet Zelenskiy Amid Air Raid Warnings, Unveil Fresh Support

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and British Foreign Minister David Lammy met Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy amid air raid warnings. Despite new support packages, no agreement was reached on allowing Ukraine to conduct long-range strikes into Russia. The discussions are ongoing as Ukraine seeks Western missiles to boost its defense.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and British Foreign Minister David Lammy met with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Wednesday amid air raid warnings. The visit, at a crucial time in Ukraine's fight against Russia, saw the announcement of new support packages but no breakthrough on lifting restrictions on long-range strikes into Russia.

Blinken revealed that discussions included long-range fires and other military support, which he would report back to Washington. Zelenskiy has long appealed for Western missiles, such as the U.S. ATACMS and British Storm Shadows, to strike deep into Russian territory and curb Moscow's offensive capabilities.

During a joint news conference with Blinken and Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, Lammy indicated that talks on military equipment would continue, a timeline that may disappoint Ukrainians seeking swift action. Washington and European capitals remain wary of escalating the conflict, even as they recognize Ukraine's need for more robust support.

(With inputs from agencies.)