High-Stakes Diplomacy: U.S. and British Ministers Visit Kyiv Amid Air Raid Alerts

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and British Foreign Minister David Lammy met with President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in Kyiv, discussing Ukraine's plea for long-range missile strikes into Russia. Despite new support and pledges of funds, no breakthrough was made on lifting restrictions for such strikes, amid Western concerns of escalation.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and British Foreign Minister David Lammy convened with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in Kyiv amidst air raid warnings, discussing Ukraine's urgent need for long-range missile capabilities to counter Russian forces.

Blinken stated that discussions would be relayed back to Washington as President Zelenskiy continues to seek approval for striking deeper into Russian territory. Lammy emphasized ongoing discussions about military equipment requirements for Ukraine. Zelenskiy remained cautiously hopeful about the allies' support in achieving military goals.

The meeting resulted in over $1.4 billion in combined aid pledges but no decisive action on permitting long-range strikes, reflecting Western concerns about escalating the conflict. Zelenskiy's upcoming U.S. visit aims to present a plan to expedite the war's end.

(With inputs from agencies.)