Russian-Iranian missiles alter the conversation on Ukraine - Lammy

The debate over Ukraine's use of Western long-range missiles has shifted following Iran’s delivery of missiles to Russia, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy told the BBC during a visit to Kyiv.

Lammy traveled with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken after meetings in London, where they met with President Volodymyr Zelensky. Zelensky has repeatedly urged allies to ease restrictions on the use of Western-provided weapons.

The US and UK have previously withheld permission for Ukraine to use long-range missiles against targets inside Russia, citing concerns about potential escalation.

US President Joe Biden has indicated that his administration is considering lifting these restrictions, though no final decision has been made public.

On Wednesday, Zelensky emphasized that Kyiv's success against Russia heavily relies on US support.

Lammy noted that Iran's provision of ballistic missiles to Russia "clearly changes the debate," as these missiles could enable Russia to penetrate further into Ukraine, calling the situation "very dangerous."

He stressed the importance of increased support for Ukraine to aid its efforts.

The UK will contribute £600 million ($780 million) in aid to Ukraine, addressing humanitarian, energy, and stabilization needs.

Blinken and Lammy plan to gather direct input from Ukrainian leadership regarding their objectives and required support.

In response to Iran's missile supply, the US, UK, France, and Germany have imposed new sanctions on Iran, and the UK has summoned Iran’s top diplomat.

Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal expressed gratitude for the UK's support but hoped for additional long-range equipment to strike at Russian territory.

The issue will receive further attention when UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer meets President Biden at the White House on Friday.

Biden has stated that his administration is "working that out now" regarding the potential lifting of restrictions on Ukraine's long-range missile use.

Earlier in the year, the US had eased some restrictions, allowing Ukraine to use long-range missiles against targets near Russia’s border.

Allies have also provided long-range weapons with specific usage restrictions to prevent escalation.

The Kremlin has warned of a "proper" response if the US permits Ukrainian strikes on Russian soil. Blinken, during his visit to the UK before traveling to Kyiv, accused Iran of supplying short-range ballistic missiles to Russia, which could be used against Ukrainians soon.

Lammy labeled this development as a "significant and dangerous escalation."

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi denied the missile supply allegations, criticizing Western countries for relying on "faulty intelligence and flawed logic."

The UK has supplied Ukraine with Storm Shadow missiles, which have a range of about 250 km (155 miles) and have thus far been used against targets in occupied Ukrainian territory. Ukrainian leaders are seeking these miss