US and UK Pledge $1.5 Billion Aid to Ukraine Amidst Rising Tensions

The United States and Britain pledged nearly $1.5 billion in additional aid to Ukraine during a visit to Kyiv by their top diplomats, as Ukrainian officials plea for Western-provided missiles against deeper Russian targets. The aid focuses on humanitarian needs and bolstering Ukraine's energy grid as winter approaches.

The United States and Britain committed nearly $1.5 billion in additional aid to Ukraine on Wednesday, during a visit to Kyiv by their top diplomats. Ukrainian officials renewed their pleas to use Western-provided missiles against deeper Russian targets.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced more than $700 million in humanitarian aid, while British Foreign Secretary David Lammy confirmed $782 million in assistance and loan guarantees from the UK. Most of the aid is aimed at bolstering Ukraine's energy grid, which Russia has repeatedly targeted ahead of the winter.

Blinken and Lammy's visit to Kyiv underscores their commitment to Ukraine as Russia's military bears down on the eastern Donetsk region. Western leaders, however, remain hesitant to authorize long-range strikes into Russian territory, fearing an escalation of the conflict.

(With inputs from agencies.)