Ukraine is eagerly waiting for Western aid as Russia racks up more victories on the battlefield. Meanwhile, British Foreign Secretary David Cameron on a visit to Kyiv gave Ukraine the go-ahead to use British weapons to strike directly at Russia.

Kyiv

Russian forces have invaded Ukraine from land, air and sea with strikes causing widespread damage. Global leaders have condemned the move and imposed sanctions.

Ukraine Invasion

### U.K. Allows its Weapons to be Used on Russian Soil

As Ukraine anticipates further Western support amidst ongoing successes by Russia on the battlefield, the U.K. has given Ukraine permission to use British-supplied weapons for direct strikes on Russian territory. During a visit to Kyiv, British Foreign Secretary David Cameron expressed support for Ukraine's right to self-defense in the face of Russian aggression. 

Russia, according to Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, has gained over 540 square kilometers of Ukrainian territory in recent months. This advancement comes as Ukraine faces significant challenges, including shortages of ammunition and manpower. Oleksandr Klozachenko, a 28-year-old involved in the conflict, highlighted the critical need for the timely arrival of military aid, particularly the $60 billion approved by the U.S. Congress.

The British government has committed to providing almost $4 billion in military aid to Ukraine annually for the duration of the conflict. Cameron clarified that the U.K. supports Ukraine's use of British weapons against Russian targets, emphasizing Ukraine's right to retaliate. The dialogue sheds light on potential new strategies, including the targeting of Russia's bridge to occupied Crimea, previously beyond the range of Ukrainian missiles.

Russia responded to Cameron's statements with a warning through Maria Zakharova, a spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry. She cautioned that any attempt to destroy strategic Russian infrastructure would be met with severe retaliation, accusing the West of escalating the conflict through Ukraine.

The situation remains tense as Russia continues to leverage its military advantages. In a recent example of the ongoing hostilities, a Russian strike on a sports complex near Kharkiv resulted in injuries to eight children, underscoring the humanitarian toll of the conflict.



U.K. allows its weapons to be used on Russian soil

As Russia rehearses for Victory Day next week its military leaders are finally seeing some actual victories on the battlefield in Ukraine they can celebrate. Russia has captured over 540 square kilometers of Ukrainian territory in recent months said Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu. It's not just a lack of ammunition that's hobbling Ukraine's defenses it's also the lack of soldiers. We're unfortunately running out of people said 28-year-old Oleksandr Klozachenko. Unless more of that 60 billion dollars in military aid approved by the U.S. Congress arrives soon the next few months may prove to be the toughest yet for Ukraine since Russia invaded just over two and a half years ago. The British government has promised Ukraine almost four billion dollars of military aid a year for as long as it takes. The foreign secretary in Kyiv also said if Ukraine wants to use British donated weapons to hit Russia directly they can. Let's be absolutely clear Russia has launched an attack into Ukraine and Ukraine absolutely has the right to strike back at Russia. Among the biggest potential targets Russia's bridge to occupied Crimea until now out of range of most Ukrainian missiles but with all of the new western armaments on the way maybe not for long. Cameron's remarks prompted a warning from Russia's foreign ministry. Any attempt to destroy the bridge would be met with a devastating revenge strike said Maria Zakharova who accused the west of using Ukraine to wage war on Russia. Ukrainians could sorely use any military victory about now. This Russian strike on a sports complex near Kharkiv injured eight children as Russia presses its advantage in manpower and weaponry to the maximum. Chris Brown, CBC News, London.

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Ukraine Invasion