Russia’s war in Ukraine is likely to “go on for some time” and now is the moment to ramp up military aid, the US secretary of state has said.

Antony Blinken said “ferocious” fighting continues along Ukraine’s eastern front – but Western partners are determined to “make sure the Ukrainians have what they need to regain what they have lost and to deal with the Russian aggression”.

Appearing at a news conference in Washington DC alongside James Cleverly, the UK foreign secretary, Mr Blinken also warned Russia will continue “using energy to try and punish countries supporting Ukraine”.

“I anticipate that this will unfortunately go on for some time,” Mr Blinken said.

“But we’re determined together… to make sure the Ukrainians have what they need to regain what they have lost and to deal with the Russian aggression. That hasn’t changed.”

Mr Cleverly has travelled to Washington for talks on the war, and spoke alongside Mr Blinken in an attempt to encourage Western leaders to step up support.

Pointing to the UK’s shipment of 14 tanks to Ukraine, Mr Cleverly said it is important to provide the “right equipment at the right time” so Kyiv can engage in the necessary type of fighting.

Related posts:

Kim Jong Un says North Korea is facing its ‘worst-ever situation’ Israel launches airstrikes on ‘Hamas military targets’ as it responds to rocket attacks Colombian kingpin arrested in ‘biggest blow to drug trafficking since fall of Pablo Escobar’ China details carbon emissions plans – but offers no new pledges ahead of COP26 Ten dead as worst flooding in almost a decade strikes eastern Australia Ukrainian first lady praises ‘incredible’ women who are the ‘face’ of the resistance ‘We should be depressed’: Kremlin adviser reveals shock over Putin’s decision to invade Ukraine Death sentence for Britons fighting in Ukraine ‘an egregious breach of Geneva Convention’ Croatia poised to clear final hurdle to adopt euro as currency Mini-tornado in northern France causes power cuts and damages dozens of homes Kim Jong Un’s daughter appears in public for second time – raising speculation of a successor in the making Landslide kills 14 attending funeral in Cameroon