Russia’s war in Ukraine is likely to “last for some time” and now is the time to increase military aid, the US secretary of state has said.
Antony Blinken said ‘fierce’ fighting continues along Ukraine’s eastern front – but Western partners are determined to ‘make sure Ukrainians have what they need to recoup what they have lost and confront Russian aggression”.
Appearing at a press conference in Washington DC alongside James Cleverly, the British Foreign Secretary, Mr Blinken also warned that Russia would continue “to use energy to try to punish countries supporting the Ukraine”.
“I anticipate this will unfortunately last for some time,” Mr. Blinken said.
“But we are determined together… to ensure that Ukrainians have what they need to recover what they have lost and face Russian aggression. That has not changed.”
Mr. Cleverly traveled to Washington for talks on the war and spoke alongside Mr. Blinken in a bid to encourage Western leaders to shore up support.
Pointing to UK shipment of 14 tanks to Ukraine, Mr Cleverly said it was important to provide “the right equipment at the right time” so that Kyiv could engage in the kind of combat needed.
