US, UK pledge economic aid for Ukraine, quick action on arms requests

US, UK pledge economic aid for Ukraine, quick action on arms requests
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, shakes hands with President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky as UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy looks on, during the Fourth Crimea Platform Leaders Summit on Sept. 11, 2024 in Kyiv. (Reuters)
Short Url
Updated 11 September 2024
Follow

US, UK pledge economic aid for Ukraine, quick action on arms requests

US, UK pledge economic aid for Ukraine, quick action on arms requests
  • “Our support will not wane, our unity will not break,” Blinken told a joint news conference in Kyiv
  • President Volodymyr Zelensky has ramped up his requests over recent months to the West to provide weapons with more firepower and fewer restrictions

KYIV: The United States and Britain on Wednesday committed to nearly $1.5 billion in support for Ukraine and promised to consider quickly requests to ease restrictions on weapons to strike deeper into Russia.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy paid the rare joint visit to Kyiv in a show of solidarity as concerns mount.
Russia’s alleged acquisition of new short-range Iranian missiles threatens to ramp up Moscow’s firepower and the US election in less than two months could dramatically shift the stance of Ukraine’s top backer.
Blinken, who took a nine-hour train ride to Kyiv alongside Lammy, said the United States would offer $717 million in new economic help to Ukraine.
About half of it will consist of US support to strengthen Ukraine’s electricity infrastructure, which has been pounded by Russia just as winter sets in.
Blinken accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of dusting off “his winter playbook” to “weaponize the cold against the Ukrainian people.”
“Our support will not wane, our unity will not break,” Blinken told a joint news conference in Kyiv.
“Putin will not outlast the coalition of countries committed to Ukraine’s success, and he is certainly not going to outlast the Ukrainian people.”
Lammy recommitted his two-month-old Labour government to providing 600 billion pounds ($782 million) in economic assistance to Ukraine.
He said that Britain, which has consistently pushed to ease restrictions on Ukraine’s use of weapons, would provide hundreds of new air defense missiles to Ukraine this year.
Russia has been advancing on the key logistics hub of Pokrovsk in the eastern Donetsk region, a month after Kyiv launched a shock counter-offensive into Russia’s Kursk region.
President Volodymyr Zelensky has ramped up his requests over recent months to the West to provide weapons with more firepower and fewer restrictions.
“It is important to lift any restrictions on the use of US and British weapons against legitimate military targets in Russia,” Ukrainian foreign minister Andriy Sybiga told the joint conference with his counterparts, who earlier met Zelensky.
Blinken said that the United States would look at the requests “with urgency” and that they would be discussed Friday in Washington when President Joe Biden meets UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Biden, asked in Washington on Tuesday whether he would let Ukraine use longer-range weapons for strikes on Russian targets, said: “We’re working that out right now.”
Biden, while strongly supportive of Ukraine, has previously made clear he wants to avoid devolving into direct conflict between the United States and Russia, the world’s two leading nuclear powers.
Asked how Moscow would respond to expanded missile ranges, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters Wednesday the response “will be appropriate,” without providing specific details.
He said the authorization of Ukrainian strikes on Russian territory would serve as “further proof” of why Moscow launched its offensive, which he said was itself an “answer” to the West’s support for Ukraine.
The United States said it believes that Russia could start firing short-range Iranian-made missiles into Ukraine within weeks.
Cash-strapped Iran went ahead with the sale of the missiles despite repeated warnings from Western powers, which on Tuesday announced new sanctions on the cleric-run state.
The Iranian shipments have raised fears that Moscow would be freed up to use its long-range missiles against comparatively unscathed areas in western Ukraine.
The United States earlier this year gave its blessing for Ukraine to use Western weapons to hit Russian forces when in direct conflict across the border.
British media reports said Biden was set to end objections to letting Ukraine fire long-range Storm Shadow missiles into Russia.
One key ask by Ukraine is to loosen restrictions on US-supplied Army Tactical Missile Systems, or ATACMS, which can hit targets up to 300 kilometers (190 miles) away.
Both Republican and Democratic members of Congress have pushed Biden to move quickly on the ATACMS immediately.
Republicans, however, are deeply divided over Ukraine, and a victory in November by Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump over Biden’s political heir Kamala Harris could dramatically shift US policy.
Trump aides have suggested that if he wins, he would leverage aid to force Kyiv into territorial concessions to Russia to end the war.
At a debate on Tuesday with Harris, Trump — who in the past has voiced admiration for Putin — notably did not say he wanted Ukraine to win, only that he wanted to end the war quickly.


Blinken says US wants Lebanon solution, not ‘broader conflict’

Blinken says US wants Lebanon solution, not ‘broader conflict’
Updated 2 sec ago
Follow

Blinken says US wants Lebanon solution, not ‘broader conflict’

Blinken says US wants Lebanon solution, not ‘broader conflict’
  • Blinken said the United States would work to support the fragile Lebanese state to build itself up after Hezbollah’s long-held sway
Vientiane: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken voiced hope Friday for a diplomatic solution in Lebanon and preventing a broader conflict, as he backed efforts by the fragile state to assert itself against Hezbollah.
Blinken again said that Israel, which has been carrying out deadly strikes on Lebanon, “has a right to defend itself” against Hezbollah, but voiced alarm over the humanitarian situation.
“We continue to engage intensely to prevent broader conflict in the region,” Blinken told reporters after an East Asia Summit in Laos.
“We all have a strong interest in trying to help create an environment in which people can go back to their homes, their safety and security, kids can go back to school,” he said.
“So Israel has a clear and very legitimate interest in doing that. The people of Lebanon want the same thing. We believe that the best way to get there is through a diplomatic understanding, one that we’ve been working on for some time, and one that we focus on right now.”
He said the United States would work to support the fragile Lebanese state to build itself up after Hezbollah’s long-held sway.
“It’s clear that the people of Lebanon have an interest — a strong interest — in the state asserting itself and taking responsibility for the country and its future,” he said.
He also said that the United States was voicing concern directly to Israel on the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
“I have real concern about the inadequacy of the assistance that’s getting to them,” Blinken said, adding that the United States has been “very directly engaged with Israel” on the topic.

Prince and Princess of Wales meet with families of dance class stabbing attack

Prince and Princess of Wales meet with families of dance class stabbing attack
Updated 11 October 2024
Follow

Prince and Princess of Wales meet with families of dance class stabbing attack

Prince and Princess of Wales meet with families of dance class stabbing attack
  • The royal couple spent 90 minutes meeting privately with the families of the victims

LONDON: Prince William and the Princess of Wales on Thursday carried out their first joint public engagement since the end of Kate’s chemotherapy by meeting the bereaved parents of victims of a stabbing rampage in the seaside town of Southport.
The royal couple spent 90 minutes meeting privately with the families of Bebe King, 6, Elsie Dot Stancombe, 7, and Alice da Silva Aguiar, 9, who were killed at the Taylor Swift-themed dance class on July 29. They also met with their teacher.
The couple later met with emergency workers at a community center, and told them how much their efforts had helped the families of the victims.
“I can’t underestimate how grateful they all are for the support you provided on the day,” Kate said. “On behalf of them, thank you.”
William and Kate sat beside each other on a bench and listened to their stories. Once the cameras left, Kate offered a hug to responders who were struggling to express their feelings.
“You’re all heroes,” William said. “Please make sure you look after yourselves, please take your time, don’t rush back to work.”
The Princess of Wales revealed in March that she was undergoing treatment for cancer, in a stunning announcement that followed weeks of speculation about her health and whereabouts.
The princess disclosed her condition in a video message that followed relentless speculation on social media that began when she was hospitalized for unspecified abdominal surgery in January.
In a recent video, Kate said she had completed chemotherapy, and planned to slowly return to public duties, “undertaking a few more public appearances” in the coming months.
But she acknowledged that the path to recovery would be long and she would “take each day as it comes.”


Ukraine’s Zelensky city-hops across Europe, promoting ‘victory plan’ to allies

Ukraine’s Zelensky city-hops across Europe, promoting ‘victory plan’ to allies
Updated 11 October 2024
Follow

Ukraine’s Zelensky city-hops across Europe, promoting ‘victory plan’ to allies

Ukraine’s Zelensky city-hops across Europe, promoting ‘victory plan’ to allies
  • He detailed the proposals Thursday to European allies after a summit with President Joe Biden was derailed by Hurricane Milton

ROME: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was city-hopping across Europe on Thursday to promote a “victory plan” that he said “aims to create the right conditions for a just end to the war” against Russia, detailing the proposals to European allies after a summit with President Joe Biden was derailed by Hurricane Milton.
Zelensky’s talks in London with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte were quickly followed by another meeting in Paris with French President Emmanuel Macron, who just the previous day sent a strong signal of support for Ukraine by visiting Ukrainian troops being trained in France.
Zelensky posted on X that he “outlined the details” of the Ukrainian victory plan to Starmer and added: “We have agreed to work on it together with our allies.”
Starmer’s Downing Street office said the leaders discussed the blueprint, the challenges for Ukraine of the approaching winter and “how investment in the country’s security today would support Europe’s broader security for generations to come.”
The Ukrainian leader also met Rutte with Starmer. Zelensky posted afterward that they discussed trans-Atlantic cooperation and further reinforcing Ukraine militarily. He gave no details but posted that “these are the steps that will create the best conditions for restoring a just peace.”
Zelensky has yet to publicly present his proposals for victory. But the timing of his efforts to lock in European support appeared to have the looming US election in mind. Former President Donald Trump has long been critical of US aid to Ukraine.
Zelensky had planned to present his blueprint at a weekend meeting of Western leaders in Germany, but it was postponed after Biden stayed home because of the hurricane that struck Florida.
Zelensky then embarked on his whistle-stop tour of European capitals that have been among Ukraine’s staunchest allies outside of the United States.
In Paris, Macron and Zelensky hugged before talks on the plan at the French presidential Elysee Palace. Afterward, Zelensky said “all the details” would come in November and that he’s talking with allies about securing more military aid and permission for Ukrainian forces to carry out long-range strikes.
Kyiv wants Western partners to allow strikes deep inside Russia, using long-range weapons they provide. Some, including the UK and France, appear willing, but Biden is reticent about escalating the conflict.
“The situation looks bleak for all sides,” Tatiana Stanovaya, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center, said Thursday on X. “The West hesitates amid internal divisions, Ukraine struggles while bracing for a harsh winter, and Russia presses forward without any strategic shifts in its favor, yet grows increasingly impatient.”
Later Thursday, Zelensky met in Rome with Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni, who ensured Italy’s full and continued support “at both bilateral and multilateral level in order to put Kyiv in the best position possible to build a just and lasting peace.”
Meloni said the meeting provided an opportunity to discuss the situation on the ground and Ukraine’s “most immediate military, financial and humanitarian needs, as well as the forthcoming diplomatic initiatives and the pathway to bring an end to the conflict.”
She added that Rome will continue to do its part also in the future reconstruction of Ukraine and announced the dates for the next Ukraine recovery conference, which will be held in Rome in July 2025.
Zelensky stressed that his priority is to strengthen Ukraine’s position, with the help of its international partners, to create the necessary conditions for diplomacy.
“Russia is not really looking for a diplomatic path,” he said. “If we are able to implement the victory plan, Russia won’t be able to continue the war.”
Zelensky is scheduled to meet Pope Francis Friday morning for a half-hour audience, the Vatican said. Later in the day, he’ll meet German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Berlin.
Ukraine relies heavily on Western support, including tens of billions of dollars’ worth of military and financial aid, to keep up the fight against its bigger enemy after almost 1,000 days of fighting since the full-scale Russian invasion began in 2022.
Fearing that crucial help could be in jeopardy due to political changes in donor countries, Ukraine has been building up its domestic arms industry. It also wants to raise more money from taxpayers to pay for the war effort. The Ukrainian parliament passed a bill on second reading Thursday that raises the so-called military tax from 1.5 percent to 5 percent. Some amendments are expected before it becomes law.
Zelensky’s tour comes as Russia continues a slow but relentless drive deeper into Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk region and targets key infrastructure with airstrikes.
Zelensky said Wednesday that the victory plan seeks to strengthen Ukraine “both geopolitically and on the battlefield” before any kind of dialogue with Russia.
“Weakness of any of our allies will inspire (Russian President Vladimir) Putin,” he said. “That’s why we’re asking them to strengthen us, in terms of security guarantees, in terms of weapons, in terms of our future after this war. In my view, he (Putin) only understands force.”
The death toll from a Russian ballistic missile strike on Ukraine’s southern city of Odesa rose Thursday to eight, regional Gov. Oleh Kiper said. It was the latest in a string of assaults on the Black Sea port.
Authorities in Kyiv also announced Thursday that Ukrainian journalist Viktoria Roshchyna died while being in Russian captivity, although the circumstances of her death remained unknown. Moscow admitted detaining Roshchyna, who went missing in 2023 while on a reporting trip to Russia-occupied areas.


Four killed by Russian missile strike in Ukraine’s Odesa region

Four killed by Russian missile strike in Ukraine’s Odesa region
Updated 11 October 2024
Follow

Four killed by Russian missile strike in Ukraine’s Odesa region

Four killed by Russian missile strike in Ukraine’s Odesa region

KIEV: Four people were killed by a Russian missile strike in Ukraine’s southern Odesa region on Friday, Governor Oleh Kiper said on the Telegram messaging app.
Kiper said a ballistic missile struck a two-story building where civilians lived and worked. Ten more people were wounded.


UN: Half a million stateless people got citizenship in past decade

UN: Half a million stateless people got citizenship in past decade
Updated 11 October 2024
Follow

UN: Half a million stateless people got citizenship in past decade

UN: Half a million stateless people got citizenship in past decade
  • The UNHCR describes statelessness as ‘a major human rights violation’
  • Last year, the UNHCR reported that there were 4.4 million stateless people recorded

GENEVA: The UN said Friday that in the decade since it launched a campaign to end the limbo of statelessness, over half a million people without a nationality had acquired citizenship.
In a report, the United Nations’ refugee agency detailed the progress made since it launched its #IBelong campaign in 2014. Its aim was to mobilize international action to resolve the problem of statelessness.
The UNHCR described statelessness as “a major human rights violation.”
It leaves people politically and economically marginalized, unable to access critical services and particularly vulnerable to exploitation and abuse, the agency argued.
Last year, the UNHCR reported that there were 4.4 million stateless people recorded, but that millions more were affected since the data only covers around half of the world’s countries.
The campaign, which ends this year, aimed to address “a largely invisible crisis: that of millions of people around the world living in the shadows, without a nationality, unable to assert their most basic human rights,” said UNHCR chief Filippo Grandi.
While welcoming “significant progress” toward the ambitious goal of ending statelessness, he added “our work is not yet done.”
The report found that “more than 565,900 stateless people and persons with undetermined nationality gained nationality” over the past decade.
Australian actor Cate Blanchett, UNHCR’s goodwill ambassador, said the progress had been “remarkable.”
“Twenty countries have improved rights for stateless people, (and) 13 countries have passed laws to ensure that no child is born stateless,” she said.
“We must make sure that anyone still living without nationality is given the right to be recognized and included.”
UNHCR highlighted the efforts made in several countries, including Turkmenistan, Portugal, North Macedonia, Rwanda, Brazil and Thailand.
Kyrgyzstan has resolved all known cases of statelessness on its territory, the agency added.
It pointed out that 77 more countries had joined the UN Statelessness Conventions, and at least 22 countries had adopted national action plans toward ending statelessness.
“Great strides have been made to remedy this devastating blight, but the need for further action remains critical,” said Ruven Menikdiwela, UNHCR’s assistant high commissioner for protection.
“There are still countless people who do not exist on paper — and hence are pushed to the fringes of society, simply because of ethnic, religious or gender discrimination, or because of flaws in nationality laws and policies,” she said.
While the #IBelong campaign is wrapping up, UNHCR said it would host a high-level meeting on statelessness during its executive committee meeting in Geneva Monday.
It also said it was launching a new “Global Alliance to end Statelessness.”