September 10th 2024.
Recently, there have been allegations that Iran has been supplying Russia with missiles. The United States and the United Kingdom have both accused Iran of providing short-range ballistic missiles to Russia, which they fear will be used in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. As a result, they have announced plans to impose sanctions on those involved in this transfer. During a visit to London, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and British Foreign Secretary David Lammy addressed the issue, with Blinken stating that the sanctions will be announced later on Tuesday.
Blinken also expressed concern about the potential use of these missiles by Russia in the coming weeks, targeting Ukrainian civilians. He pointed out that the supply of Iranian missiles allows Russia to use more of its own arsenal for attacks on targets further away from the front line. This statement comes ahead of a joint visit to Ukraine by Blinken and Lammy, where they will meet with President Volodymyr Zelensky to discuss defense strategies.
The accusations against Iran have given President Zelensky more leverage to push for the US and other allies to allow Ukraine to use Western-supplied missiles to strike deep into Russian territory. This meeting also coincides with massive military drills being conducted by Russia in the Pacific and Arctic oceans, as well as the Mediterranean, Caspian, and Baltic seas. Russian President Vladimir Putin himself commented on the drills, stating that they will involve complex tasks that closely resemble combat conditions.
Meanwhile, Lammy and Blinken have been holding discussions on this matter throughout the week. It is worth noting that Putin has been conducting these drills across multiple oceans, further raising tensions in the region. In response to the conflict, President Joe Biden has allowed Ukraine to use US-provided missiles for self-defense, but with limitations to prevent further escalation. However, this has not stopped Ukraine from using its own weapons to target deeper into Russian territory. In fact, just this week, they launched one of the largest drone attacks on Russian soil since the start of the war.
Lammy described the transfer of Iranian missiles to Russia as a significant escalation, while Iran has denied any involvement and condemned the provision of military aid to the parties involved in the conflict. They see it as contributing to more casualties, destruction, and hindering any efforts to reach a ceasefire. Despite repeated warnings from the US and its allies, Iran has continued to supply ballistic missiles to Russia.
CIA Director William Burns, who was in London for a joint appearance with his British counterpart, also expressed concerns about the growing defense relationship between Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea. He emphasized that this poses a threat not only to Ukraine but also to Western allies in the Middle East. The issue of supporting Ukraine's defense will also be on the agenda when President Biden meets with British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer at the White House on Friday.
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