Russia-Ukraine war could continue beyond 2026: UK Foreign Minister
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Lammy's view on the war's duration contradicts Zelensky's, who plans to end the conflict by the end of the year if the West makes "quick decisions" on increasing its aid for Kiev.
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Britain's Foreign Secretary David Lammy speaks during a meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky at the Mariinsky Palace in Kiev, Ukraine, September 11, 2024. (AP)
The war between Russia and Ukraine is likely to continue for at least another two years, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy said.
Lammy stressed Britain's support for Ukraine during its ongoing conflict with Russia on Sunday during a Labour Party conference in Liverpool, stressing the government's commitment to funding Kiev with $3.99 billion in military aid "for as long as it takes."
The diplomat attended a sideline event on the same day, warning that the hostilities could continue into “the back end of 2025 into 2026” and beyond.
Hardships and challenges stemming from the war are expected to become “deeper and harsher” in the coming years, The Guardian wrote, quoting the politician.
"This is a critical time for nerve and guts and patience and for fortitude on behalf of allies who stand with Ukraine,” Lammy asserted.
The contentious long-range weapons
The foreign secretary's statements are supposed references to US President Joe Biden's administration's unwillingness to allow Ukraine to use Western-supplied long-range weapons to attack deep into Russian territory.
Moscow has warned that if the United States and its allies approve Ukranian President Volodymyr Zelensky's months-long request, the NATO nations would be direct participants in the war and be targeted by Russia.
"There is a very real-time discussion across allies about how we can support Ukraine as we head into winter,” Lammy stated.
He refused to disclose details, arguing it would “only aid [Russian President Vladimir] Putin.”
Lammy's view on the duration of the war contradicts Zelensky's, who plans to end the conflict by the end of the year if the West makes "quick decisions" on increasing its aid for Kiev.
Zelensky is in the US where he is scheduled to present his "victory plan" to Biden, members of Congress, and presidential candidates Kamala Harris and Donald Trump.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov reiterated on Sunday that “there is no alternative to our [Russian] victory," which includes Ukrainian troops withdrawing from Russian-claimed territory, and revoking its willingness to NATO.
US, UK disallowing Kiev's deployment of long-range missiles: Zelensky
Zelensky stated that the United States and the UK have not authorized Ukraine to use Western-supplied long-range missiles against targets within Russia.
“Neither America nor the United Kingdom gave us permission to use these weapons on the territory of Russia, on any targets, at any distance," he noted.
Zelensky suggested that their hesitation stems from concerns about escalating hostilities.
The Ukrainian President noted that Ukraine's Western allies have increased military support as Ukraine continues to fend off Russian troops in the Donbass region. “(Military aid) accelerated in September. We are glad. We can feel the difference,” he stated.
He acknowledged that Ukraine is at a disadvantage, having fewer personnel and resources compared to Moscow.
The two nations have officially been at war since Russia initiated its special operation in the Donbass in February 2022 following repeated Ukrainian attacks on the region. Zelensky also rejected a peace plan proposed by China and Brazil, expressing skepticism about its credibility.
He said, “I don’t think it was a concrete plan. I don’t see any specific action or stages in it, just generalized procedures," and generalizations, according to Zelensky, "always hide something.”
