U.S and UK have reaffirmed the imperative of continuing to support and help Ukraine defend itself against the ongoing Russian aggression.
This came as the UK Foreign Secretary, David Cameron, and the US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, held a joint press conference at following talks in Washington about support for Ukraine and bringing stability to the Middle East.
Cameron met with Donald Trump ahead of his meeting with Blinken in an attempt to persuade the presumptive Republican presidential candidate to drop his opposition to a new package of aid for Ukraine that is being held up in Congress partly on Trump’s instruction.
At the press conference, Blinken stated that the UK has been an “extraordinary leader” in the effort to support Ukraine from day one, including by imposing sanctions and export controls on Russia.
Blinken disclosed that he and Cameron discussed ways to strengthen efforts to prevent the transfer of weapons and materials to Russia for use in Ukraine.
“This is an ongoing challenge,” he admitted.
“We see weapons and technologies to support the defense industrial base in Russia coming from North Korea from Iran from China. This is an area of particular concern for not only the United States and the United Kingdom, but many of our allies and partners throughout Europe.”
Antony Blinken
Also, Blinken repeated long-standing appeals for lawmakers to unblock the assistance for Ukraine that President Joe Biden has sought for months.
Blinken emphasized that it is “imperative” now that the House is back in session to get a vote on Ukraine aid “as quickly as possible.”
He noted that the supplemental budget request that President Biden has made to Congress is “urgent.”
Blinken asserted that there has been genuine burden-sharing among the US and European and international allies in terms of support for Ukraine.
“We need to continue to do our part,” he added.
Moreover, the U.S Secretary of state spoke about the Middle East.
He said that Israel has made “important commitments” to significantly increase the supply of humanitarian assistance throughout Gaza, and that it is taking some “initial actions to move on those commitments.”
“But what matters is results and sustained results,” Blinken averred, noting that the U.S “will be looking very carefully in the days ahead” that assistance is distributed effectively in Gaza, including that it gets to the north of Gaza.
“The US continues to work closely with Israel, Egypt and Qatar to reach an agreement for an immediate ceasefire and the release of hostages,” Blinken added.
Cameron Hails U.S-UK Ties
On his part, David Cameron, UK Foreign Secretary asserted that there is no closer alliance for the UK than its partnership with the US.
“In a time of danger like this international affairs, close alliances really matter,” Cameron stated.
In terms of support for Ukraine, Cameron said, “We know what they need, and we know what is right for us. We know that if we give the Ukrainians the support they deserve, they can win this war.”
Also, Cameron made an appeal for Ukraine funds.
Cameron stated that Ukraine needs air defenses, ammunition and money.
He stressed that it is important to send a clear message to all those around the world, including China, that the US and UK stands by its allies.
Cameron noted, “Nothing is more important than the supplemental request the Congress is looking at the moment.”
“I come here with no intention to lecture anybody or tell anybody what to do or get in the way of the process of politics,” he said.
“I just come here as a great friend and believer in this country and a believer that it’s profoundly in your interest, and your security, and your future, and the future for all your partners to release this money and let it through,” he urged.
