UK foreign secretary Lammy calls for continued support for Ukraine and countering Russian disinformation. According to Voice of America, David Lammy, the U.K. Foreign Secretary, underscored the importance of fully comprehending Ukrainian President Zelenskyy’s victory plan. During a recent visit to Ukraine alongside U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Lammy discussed Ukraine’s immediate needs as winter looms. He stressed that Western allies, including the U.K., must maintain steadfast military, diplomatic, and political support for Ukraine. Lammy also highlighted the urgency of countering Russian disinformation, particularly in rallying the Global South, to prevent further destabilisation. He affirmed Britain’s commitment to supplying vital military aid and ensuring Ukraine’s resilience through 2025.
Zelensky faces cooler reception in Washington as war fatigue grows as the war grinds on. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy encountered a notably more subdued reception in Washington during his visit to the U.S. Capitol on September 26, 2024. The atmosphere stood in stark contrast to his previous visit two years earlier when he was met with bipartisan applause and a sweeping $50 billion aid package. The tempered response reflects a growing sense of fatigue among U.S. lawmakers, particularly within the Republican ranks, casting doubt on the future of military aid to Ukraine. Once hailed as a persuasive and charismatic advocate, Zelenskyy now faces mounting obstacles as his nation continues to depend on Congress for vital financial support. Despite these challenges, the Biden administration unveiled a new $8 billion military assistance package, but concerns linger about the long-term sustainability of American backing, The New York Times reported.
Washington supports Ukraine with fresh aid but holds back on long-range missile strikes. The White House has recently turned down Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s key request for permission to deploy long-range U.S.-made missiles, including ATACMS, to target Russian territory. Despite this, President Biden underscored Washington’s continued support by announcing a fresh military aid package for Ukraine, featuring advanced air defence systems and Joint Standoff Weapons (JSOW) with a range of 110 kilometres. Biden reiterated the U.S. commitment to backing Ukraine’s war efforts while also supporting its long-term aspirations of joining the European Union and NATO. While the latest aid package reflects steadfast support, the U.S. decision to withhold approval for long-range missile strikes highlights a measured stance, avoiding further escalation in the conflict. This nuanced approach suggests a balancing act between aiding Ukraine and managing broader geopolitical risks, according to NV.ua.
Ukrainian forces thwart Russian assault near Pishchane. On September 26, 2024, Russian forces launched a mechanised assault near Pishchane in the Kupiansk direction, deploying approximately 50 armoured vehicles. Ukraine’s “Achilles” battalion, part of the 92nd Separate Mechanized Brigade, mounted a successful defence, halting the advance. Ukrainian forces destroyed 14 Russian vehicles, including five BMPs and three tanks, and severely damaged 26 more, including ten tanks. The victory, which dealt a significant blow to Russian efforts in the area, underscores the strength of Ukrainian defences, according to Yuriy Fedorenko, commander of the Achilles Battalion.
