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US and UK pledge almost $1.5 billion to help Ukraine during diplomats' visit to Kyiv

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US and UK pledge almost $1.5 billion to help Ukraine during diplomats' visit to Kyiv
News

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US and UK pledge almost $1.5 billion to help Ukraine during diplomats' visit to Kyiv

2024-09-12 11:24 Last Updated At:11:32

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — The United States and Britain pledged nearly $1.5 billion in additional aid to Ukraine on Wednesday during a visit to Kyiv by their top diplomats as Ukrainian officials renewed their pleas to use Western-provided missiles against targets deeper inside Russia.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced more than $700 million in humanitarian aid, while British Foreign Secretary David Lammy confirmed that his country would provide another $782 million in assistance and loan guarantees. Much of the effort was aimed at bolstering the energy grid that Russia has repeatedly pounded ahead of an expected difficult winter.

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U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken meets with Ukraine's Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal at the Cabinet of Ministers in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, Pool)

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — The United States and Britain pledged nearly $1.5 billion in additional aid to Ukraine on Wednesday during a visit to Kyiv by their top diplomats as Ukrainian officials renewed their pleas to use Western-provided missiles against targets deeper inside Russia.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brink attend an event to promote civil society engagement in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, Pool)

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brink attend an event to promote civil society engagement in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, Pool)

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy prepares to meet U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Britain's Foreign Secretary David Lammy at the Mariinsky Palace in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, Pool)

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy prepares to meet U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Britain's Foreign Secretary David Lammy at the Mariinsky Palace in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, Pool)

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy gestures during a meeting U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Britain's Foreign Secretary David Lammy at the Mariinsky Palace in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, Pool)

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy gestures during a meeting U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Britain's Foreign Secretary David Lammy at the Mariinsky Palace in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, Pool)

Britain's Foreign Secretary David Lammy speaks during a meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the Mariinsky Palace in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, Pool)

Britain's Foreign Secretary David Lammy speaks during a meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the Mariinsky Palace in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, Pool)

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, right, Britain's Foreign Secretary David Lammy, and Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andriiy Sybiha, left, arrive to attend a joint news conference at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky)

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, right, Britain's Foreign Secretary David Lammy, and Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andriiy Sybiha, left, arrive to attend a joint news conference at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky)

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken attends a joint news conference with Britain's Foreign Secretary David Lammy, and Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andriiy Sybiha at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky)

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken attends a joint news conference with Britain's Foreign Secretary David Lammy, and Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andriiy Sybiha at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky)

Britain's Foreign Secretary David Lammy, speaks during a joint news conference with Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andriiy Sybiha and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky)

Britain's Foreign Secretary David Lammy, speaks during a joint news conference with Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andriiy Sybiha and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky)

Britain's Foreign Secretary David Lammy, speaks during a joint news conference with Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andriiy Sybiha, left, and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, Pool)

Britain's Foreign Secretary David Lammy, speaks during a joint news conference with Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andriiy Sybiha, left, and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, Pool)

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, left, greets Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andriiy Sybiha at the end of a joint news conference with Britain's Foreign Secretary David Lammy at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky)

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, left, greets Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andriiy Sybiha at the end of a joint news conference with Britain's Foreign Secretary David Lammy at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky)

Britain's Foreign Secretary David Lammy, right, looks across as Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andriiy Sybiha speaks during a joint news conference with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky)

Britain's Foreign Secretary David Lammy, right, looks across as Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andriiy Sybiha speaks during a joint news conference with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky)

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken speaks during a joint news conference with Britain's Foreign Secretary David Lammy, and Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andriiy Sybiha at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky)

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken speaks during a joint news conference with Britain's Foreign Secretary David Lammy, and Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andriiy Sybiha at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky)

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, left, speaks as he stands with Britain's Foreign Secretary David Lammy, and Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andriiy Sybiha, center, during a joint news conference at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky)

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, left, speaks as he stands with Britain's Foreign Secretary David Lammy, and Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andriiy Sybiha, center, during a joint news conference at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky)

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, left, Britain's Foreign Secretary David Lammy, right, and Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andriiy Sybiha attend a joint news conference at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, Pool)

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, left, Britain's Foreign Secretary David Lammy, right, and Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andriiy Sybiha attend a joint news conference at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, Pool)

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy attends the Fourth Crimea Platform Leaders Summit in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (Leon Neal/Pool via AP)

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy attends the Fourth Crimea Platform Leaders Summit in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (Leon Neal/Pool via AP)

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken meets with Ukraine's Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal at the Cabinet of Ministers in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, Pool)

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken meets with Ukraine's Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal at the Cabinet of Ministers in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, Pool)

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Britain's Foreign Secretary David Lammy meet with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the Mariinsky Palace in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, Pool)

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Britain's Foreign Secretary David Lammy meet with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the Mariinsky Palace in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, Pool)

Britain's Foreign Secretary David Lammy, speaks during a joint news conference with Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andriiy Sybiha and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, Pool)

Britain's Foreign Secretary David Lammy, speaks during a joint news conference with Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andriiy Sybiha and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, Pool)

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken speaks during a joint news conference with Britain's Foreign Secretary David Lammy, and Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andriiy Sybiha at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, Pool)

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken speaks during a joint news conference with Britain's Foreign Secretary David Lammy, and Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andriiy Sybiha at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, Pool)

On the podium from left, Deputy Chairman of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar Nariman Dzhelyal, British Foreign Secretary David Lammy, Foreign Minister of Ukraine Andrii Sybiha, Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak, President of Lithuania Gitanas Nauseda, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Prime Minister of Croatia Andrej Plenkovic, and the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, Ruslan Stefanchuk attend the Fourth Crimea Platform Leaders Summit in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (Leon Neal/Pool via AP)

On the podium from left, Deputy Chairman of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar Nariman Dzhelyal, British Foreign Secretary David Lammy, Foreign Minister of Ukraine Andrii Sybiha, Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak, President of Lithuania Gitanas Nauseda, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Prime Minister of Croatia Andrej Plenkovic, and the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, Ruslan Stefanchuk attend the Fourth Crimea Platform Leaders Summit in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (Leon Neal/Pool via AP)

Front from left, US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, Deputy Chairman of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar Nariman Dzhelyal and British Foreign Secretary David Lammy attend the Fourth Crimea Platform Leaders Summit in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (Leon Neal/Pool via AP)

Front from left, US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, Deputy Chairman of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar Nariman Dzhelyal and British Foreign Secretary David Lammy attend the Fourth Crimea Platform Leaders Summit in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (Leon Neal/Pool via AP)

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and British Foreign Secretary David Lammy arrive at the train station in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, Pool)

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and British Foreign Secretary David Lammy arrive at the train station in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, Pool)

U. S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken speaks with chef Yevhen Klopotenko as he visits a restaurant in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, Pool)

U. S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken speaks with chef Yevhen Klopotenko as he visits a restaurant in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, Pool)

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, left, listens as UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, right, speaks during the Fourth Crimea Platform Leaders Summit in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (Leon Neal/Pool via AP)

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, left, listens as UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, right, speaks during the Fourth Crimea Platform Leaders Summit in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (Leon Neal/Pool via AP)

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and British Foreign Secretary David Lammy arrive at the train station in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, Pool)

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and British Foreign Secretary David Lammy arrive at the train station in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, Pool)

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, left, and Britain's Foreign Secretary David Lammy meet with Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andriiy Sybiha at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, Pool)

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, left, and Britain's Foreign Secretary David Lammy meet with Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andriiy Sybiha at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, Pool)

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, left, and Britain's Foreign Secretary David Lammy meet with Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andriiy Sybiha at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, Pool)

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, left, and Britain's Foreign Secretary David Lammy meet with Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andriiy Sybiha at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, Pool)

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, left, and Britain's Foreign Secretary David Lammy meet with Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andriiy Sybiha at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, Pool)

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, left, and Britain's Foreign Secretary David Lammy meet with Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andriiy Sybiha at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, Pool)

UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy attends a bilateral meeting with Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal (not pictured) and other officials Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024 in Kyiv, Ukraine. The British Foreign Secretary joined his American counterpart on a visit to Ukraine to discuss the country's military needs in its fight against Russia. (Leon Neal/Pool via AP)

UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy attends a bilateral meeting with Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal (not pictured) and other officials Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024 in Kyiv, Ukraine. The British Foreign Secretary joined his American counterpart on a visit to Ukraine to discuss the country's military needs in its fight against Russia. (Leon Neal/Pool via AP)

UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy attends a bilateral meeting with Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal (not pictured) and other officials Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024 in Kyiv, Ukraine. The British Foreign Secretary joined his American counterpart on a visit to Ukraine to discuss the country's military needs in its fight against Russia. (Leon Neal/Pool via AP)

UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy attends a bilateral meeting with Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal (not pictured) and other officials Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024 in Kyiv, Ukraine. The British Foreign Secretary joined his American counterpart on a visit to Ukraine to discuss the country's military needs in its fight against Russia. (Leon Neal/Pool via AP)

UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy attends a bilateral meeting with Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024 in Kyiv, Ukraine. The British Foreign Secretary joined his American counterpart on a visit to Ukraine to discuss the country's military needs in its fight against Russia. (Leon Neal/Pool via AP)

UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy attends a bilateral meeting with Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024 in Kyiv, Ukraine. The British Foreign Secretary joined his American counterpart on a visit to Ukraine to discuss the country's military needs in its fight against Russia. (Leon Neal/Pool via AP)

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is greeted as he arrives at the train station in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, Pool)

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is greeted as he arrives at the train station in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, Pool)

British Foreign Secretary David Lammy, right. and US Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken arrive at Kyiv train station Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024 in Kyiv, Ukraine. The British Foreign Secretary joined his American counterpart on a visit to Ukraine to discuss the country's military needs in its fight against Russia. (Leon Neal/Pool via AP)

British Foreign Secretary David Lammy, right. and US Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken arrive at Kyiv train station Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024 in Kyiv, Ukraine. The British Foreign Secretary joined his American counterpart on a visit to Ukraine to discuss the country's military needs in its fight against Russia. (Leon Neal/Pool via AP)

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and British Foreign Secretary David Lammy arrive at the train station in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, Pool)

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and British Foreign Secretary David Lammy arrive at the train station in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, Pool)

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and British Foreign Secretary David Lammy are greeted as they arrive at the train station in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, Pool)

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and British Foreign Secretary David Lammy are greeted as they arrive at the train station in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, Pool)

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and British Foreign Secretary David Lammy arrive at the train station in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, Pool)

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and British Foreign Secretary David Lammy arrive at the train station in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, Pool)

British Foreign Secretary David Lammy, left, and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken board a train at Przemysl train station in Poland Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024 as they prepare to travel to Ukraine. (Leon Neal/Pool Photo via AP)

British Foreign Secretary David Lammy, left, and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken board a train at Przemysl train station in Poland Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024 as they prepare to travel to Ukraine. (Leon Neal/Pool Photo via AP)

British Foreign Secretary David Lammy, front left, and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken board a train at Przemysl train station in Poland Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024 as they prepare to travel to Ukraine. (Leon Neal/Pool Photo via AP)

British Foreign Secretary David Lammy, front left, and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken board a train at Przemysl train station in Poland Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024 as they prepare to travel to Ukraine. (Leon Neal/Pool Photo via AP)

British Foreign Secretary David Lammy, front left, and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken board a train at Przemysl train station in Poland Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024 as they prepare to travel to Ukraine. (Leon Neal/Pool Photo via AP)

British Foreign Secretary David Lammy, front left, and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken board a train at Przemysl train station in Poland Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024 as they prepare to travel to Ukraine. (Leon Neal/Pool Photo via AP)

Blinken and Lammy traveled together to the Ukrainian capital on a rare joint tour to underscore their commitment to the country in its war. Air-raid sirens sounded repeatedly during the visit, causing delays in their schedule and forcing them to cancel a wreath-laying ceremony.

Blinken said he would bring the discussion with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy about the missiles “back to Washington to brief the president.” Blinken said U.S. President Joe Biden and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will “no doubt” talk about the issue when they meet Friday in Washington.

“Speaking for the United States, we have adjusted and adapted as needs have changed, as the battlefield has changed. And I have no doubt that we’ll continue to do that as this evolves,” Blinken told a news conference.

The diplomatic visit unfolded as Russia’s bigger and better-equipped army bears down on Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk region and conducts aerial attacks on cities across the country using missiles, glide bombs and drones that claim many civilian casualties.

Lammy said the 2 1/2-year conflict is at a “critical” juncture following Ukraine's daring incursion last month into Russia’s Kursk region.

"We convey the deepest condolences for the shocking attacks that we have seen, over the loss of civilian life, particularly women and children — horrific, barbaric, unbelievable,” Lammy said.

But relations between Ukraine and its Western partners have been increasingly strained by Kyiv’s repeated appeals for the West’s authorization to use long-range weapons from the United States and other allies to strike targets deeper inside Russia.

That issue took on added urgency after Russia’s latest reported acquisition of ballistic missiles from Iran, but Western leaders have so far balked at Ukraine's request, fearing that, if granted, it could escalate the war.

Biden has allowed Ukraine to fire U.S.-provided missiles across the border into Russia in self-defense, but has largely limited the distance they can be fired.

Zelenskyy said he hoped for changes to those limitations.

“Let’s count on some strong decisions, at least,” he said. “For us, it’s very important.”

He said he hoped to speak to Biden later this month, noting that U.S. military and financial support is crucial.

“We rely heavily on it, and frankly, we can’t prevail without it,” Zelenskyy said.

However, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin last week pushed back on the idea that long-range strikes would be a game-changer.

“I don’t believe one capability is going to be decisive, and I stand by that comment,” Austin said at a meeting of allied military leaders in Germany. The Ukrainians have other means to strike long-range targets, he added.

Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal told Lammy he hoped an agreement on using long-range assets “for strikes on the territory of our enemy” could be reached. “We hope for your help and support in this issue.”

A hard winter likely lies ahead for Ukraine. Its power grid is under severe strain after Russian missiles and drones knocked out around 70% of the country’s generation capacity.

Kyiv officials will also have to navigate the outcome of the U.S. election in November, which could produce important policy shifts in Washington. Former President Donald Trump said in a presidential debate Tuesday that he wants the war to end but did not clearly say he wants Ukraine to win.

“We remain committed to Ukraine’s victory,” Blinken said. “The bottom line is this: We want Ukraine to win.”

Ukrainian officials politely sidestepped making any comment on the debate. Zelenskyy said he did not watch it, while Ukraine's foreign minister, Andrii Sybiha‎, insisted U.S. policy was ultimately unlikely to change.

“Yes, it’s clear that there will be a new president. But we believe, and are convinced, in the strong support of the American people,” Sybiha said. “We are firmly, firmly convinced that this support will continue.”

The latest American aid package includes $325 million in energy support to help repair and restore Ukraine’s power generation facilities, provide emergency backup power for critical services and strengthen the physical security of energy infrastructure.

Some $290 million will fund food, water, shelter, health care and education programs for Ukrainians in need in the country and refugees outside the country. The remaining $102 million will be used for mine-removal work.

Late last week, the U.S. announced it would send $250 million more in weapons to Ukraine, including air-defense missiles and artillery.

Wednesday’s visit was, unusually, announced in advance — a public signal of American and British support for Ukraine.

The British diplomats reached the Ukrainian capital by train from Poland. Blinken traveled from London, where he accused Iran of providing Russia with Fath-360 short-range ballistic missiles, calling the move a “dramatic escalation” of the war.

Referring to those missiles, Shmyhal added: “Russia’s use of weapons from its terrorist allies to strike at Ukraine continues their genocidal war and terrorism on our territory. We must be able to respond to such terrorism in kind by destroying military targets on their territory to ensure greater safety for our citizens.”

Associated Press writers Jill Lawless in London and Derek Gatopoulos in Kyiv contributed to this report.

Follow AP’s coverage of the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken meets with Ukraine's Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal at the Cabinet of Ministers in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, Pool)

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken meets with Ukraine's Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal at the Cabinet of Ministers in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, Pool)

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brink attend an event to promote civil society engagement in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, Pool)

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brink attend an event to promote civil society engagement in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, Pool)

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy prepares to meet U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Britain's Foreign Secretary David Lammy at the Mariinsky Palace in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, Pool)

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy prepares to meet U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Britain's Foreign Secretary David Lammy at the Mariinsky Palace in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, Pool)

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy gestures during a meeting U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Britain's Foreign Secretary David Lammy at the Mariinsky Palace in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, Pool)

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy gestures during a meeting U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Britain's Foreign Secretary David Lammy at the Mariinsky Palace in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, Pool)

Britain's Foreign Secretary David Lammy speaks during a meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the Mariinsky Palace in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, Pool)

Britain's Foreign Secretary David Lammy speaks during a meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the Mariinsky Palace in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, Pool)

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, right, Britain's Foreign Secretary David Lammy, and Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andriiy Sybiha, left, arrive to attend a joint news conference at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky)

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, right, Britain's Foreign Secretary David Lammy, and Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andriiy Sybiha, left, arrive to attend a joint news conference at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky)

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken attends a joint news conference with Britain's Foreign Secretary David Lammy, and Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andriiy Sybiha at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky)

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken attends a joint news conference with Britain's Foreign Secretary David Lammy, and Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andriiy Sybiha at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky)

Britain's Foreign Secretary David Lammy, speaks during a joint news conference with Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andriiy Sybiha and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky)

Britain's Foreign Secretary David Lammy, speaks during a joint news conference with Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andriiy Sybiha and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky)

Britain's Foreign Secretary David Lammy, speaks during a joint news conference with Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andriiy Sybiha, left, and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, Pool)

Britain's Foreign Secretary David Lammy, speaks during a joint news conference with Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andriiy Sybiha, left, and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, Pool)

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, left, greets Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andriiy Sybiha at the end of a joint news conference with Britain's Foreign Secretary David Lammy at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky)

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, left, greets Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andriiy Sybiha at the end of a joint news conference with Britain's Foreign Secretary David Lammy at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky)

Britain's Foreign Secretary David Lammy, right, looks across as Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andriiy Sybiha speaks during a joint news conference with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky)

Britain's Foreign Secretary David Lammy, right, looks across as Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andriiy Sybiha speaks during a joint news conference with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky)

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken speaks during a joint news conference with Britain's Foreign Secretary David Lammy, and Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andriiy Sybiha at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky)

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken speaks during a joint news conference with Britain's Foreign Secretary David Lammy, and Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andriiy Sybiha at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky)

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, left, speaks as he stands with Britain's Foreign Secretary David Lammy, and Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andriiy Sybiha, center, during a joint news conference at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky)

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, left, speaks as he stands with Britain's Foreign Secretary David Lammy, and Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andriiy Sybiha, center, during a joint news conference at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky)

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, left, Britain's Foreign Secretary David Lammy, right, and Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andriiy Sybiha attend a joint news conference at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, Pool)

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, left, Britain's Foreign Secretary David Lammy, right, and Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andriiy Sybiha attend a joint news conference at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, Pool)

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy attends the Fourth Crimea Platform Leaders Summit in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (Leon Neal/Pool via AP)

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy attends the Fourth Crimea Platform Leaders Summit in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (Leon Neal/Pool via AP)

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken meets with Ukraine's Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal at the Cabinet of Ministers in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, Pool)

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken meets with Ukraine's Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal at the Cabinet of Ministers in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, Pool)

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Britain's Foreign Secretary David Lammy meet with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the Mariinsky Palace in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, Pool)

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Britain's Foreign Secretary David Lammy meet with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the Mariinsky Palace in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, Pool)

Britain's Foreign Secretary David Lammy, speaks during a joint news conference with Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andriiy Sybiha and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, Pool)

Britain's Foreign Secretary David Lammy, speaks during a joint news conference with Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andriiy Sybiha and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, Pool)

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken speaks during a joint news conference with Britain's Foreign Secretary David Lammy, and Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andriiy Sybiha at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, Pool)

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken speaks during a joint news conference with Britain's Foreign Secretary David Lammy, and Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andriiy Sybiha at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, Pool)

On the podium from left, Deputy Chairman of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar Nariman Dzhelyal, British Foreign Secretary David Lammy, Foreign Minister of Ukraine Andrii Sybiha, Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak, President of Lithuania Gitanas Nauseda, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Prime Minister of Croatia Andrej Plenkovic, and the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, Ruslan Stefanchuk attend the Fourth Crimea Platform Leaders Summit in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (Leon Neal/Pool via AP)

On the podium from left, Deputy Chairman of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar Nariman Dzhelyal, British Foreign Secretary David Lammy, Foreign Minister of Ukraine Andrii Sybiha, Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak, President of Lithuania Gitanas Nauseda, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Prime Minister of Croatia Andrej Plenkovic, and the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, Ruslan Stefanchuk attend the Fourth Crimea Platform Leaders Summit in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (Leon Neal/Pool via AP)

Front from left, US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, Deputy Chairman of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar Nariman Dzhelyal and British Foreign Secretary David Lammy attend the Fourth Crimea Platform Leaders Summit in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (Leon Neal/Pool via AP)

Front from left, US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, Deputy Chairman of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar Nariman Dzhelyal and British Foreign Secretary David Lammy attend the Fourth Crimea Platform Leaders Summit in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (Leon Neal/Pool via AP)

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and British Foreign Secretary David Lammy arrive at the train station in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, Pool)

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and British Foreign Secretary David Lammy arrive at the train station in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, Pool)

U. S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken speaks with chef Yevhen Klopotenko as he visits a restaurant in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, Pool)

U. S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken speaks with chef Yevhen Klopotenko as he visits a restaurant in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, Pool)

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, left, listens as UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, right, speaks during the Fourth Crimea Platform Leaders Summit in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (Leon Neal/Pool via AP)

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, left, listens as UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, right, speaks during the Fourth Crimea Platform Leaders Summit in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (Leon Neal/Pool via AP)

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and British Foreign Secretary David Lammy arrive at the train station in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, Pool)

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and British Foreign Secretary David Lammy arrive at the train station in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, Pool)

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, left, and Britain's Foreign Secretary David Lammy meet with Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andriiy Sybiha at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, Pool)

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, left, and Britain's Foreign Secretary David Lammy meet with Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andriiy Sybiha at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, Pool)

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, left, and Britain's Foreign Secretary David Lammy meet with Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andriiy Sybiha at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, Pool)

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, left, and Britain's Foreign Secretary David Lammy meet with Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andriiy Sybiha at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, Pool)

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, left, and Britain's Foreign Secretary David Lammy meet with Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andriiy Sybiha at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, Pool)

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, left, and Britain's Foreign Secretary David Lammy meet with Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andriiy Sybiha at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, Pool)

UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy attends a bilateral meeting with Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal (not pictured) and other officials Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024 in Kyiv, Ukraine. The British Foreign Secretary joined his American counterpart on a visit to Ukraine to discuss the country's military needs in its fight against Russia. (Leon Neal/Pool via AP)

UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy attends a bilateral meeting with Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal (not pictured) and other officials Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024 in Kyiv, Ukraine. The British Foreign Secretary joined his American counterpart on a visit to Ukraine to discuss the country's military needs in its fight against Russia. (Leon Neal/Pool via AP)

UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy attends a bilateral meeting with Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal (not pictured) and other officials Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024 in Kyiv, Ukraine. The British Foreign Secretary joined his American counterpart on a visit to Ukraine to discuss the country's military needs in its fight against Russia. (Leon Neal/Pool via AP)

UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy attends a bilateral meeting with Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal (not pictured) and other officials Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024 in Kyiv, Ukraine. The British Foreign Secretary joined his American counterpart on a visit to Ukraine to discuss the country's military needs in its fight against Russia. (Leon Neal/Pool via AP)

UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy attends a bilateral meeting with Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024 in Kyiv, Ukraine. The British Foreign Secretary joined his American counterpart on a visit to Ukraine to discuss the country's military needs in its fight against Russia. (Leon Neal/Pool via AP)

UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy attends a bilateral meeting with Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024 in Kyiv, Ukraine. The British Foreign Secretary joined his American counterpart on a visit to Ukraine to discuss the country's military needs in its fight against Russia. (Leon Neal/Pool via AP)

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is greeted as he arrives at the train station in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, Pool)

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is greeted as he arrives at the train station in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, Pool)

British Foreign Secretary David Lammy, right. and US Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken arrive at Kyiv train station Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024 in Kyiv, Ukraine. The British Foreign Secretary joined his American counterpart on a visit to Ukraine to discuss the country's military needs in its fight against Russia. (Leon Neal/Pool via AP)

British Foreign Secretary David Lammy, right. and US Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken arrive at Kyiv train station Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024 in Kyiv, Ukraine. The British Foreign Secretary joined his American counterpart on a visit to Ukraine to discuss the country's military needs in its fight against Russia. (Leon Neal/Pool via AP)

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and British Foreign Secretary David Lammy arrive at the train station in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, Pool)

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and British Foreign Secretary David Lammy arrive at the train station in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, Pool)

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and British Foreign Secretary David Lammy are greeted as they arrive at the train station in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, Pool)

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and British Foreign Secretary David Lammy are greeted as they arrive at the train station in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, Pool)

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and British Foreign Secretary David Lammy arrive at the train station in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, Pool)

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and British Foreign Secretary David Lammy arrive at the train station in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, Pool)

British Foreign Secretary David Lammy, left, and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken board a train at Przemysl train station in Poland Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024 as they prepare to travel to Ukraine. (Leon Neal/Pool Photo via AP)

British Foreign Secretary David Lammy, left, and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken board a train at Przemysl train station in Poland Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024 as they prepare to travel to Ukraine. (Leon Neal/Pool Photo via AP)

British Foreign Secretary David Lammy, front left, and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken board a train at Przemysl train station in Poland Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024 as they prepare to travel to Ukraine. (Leon Neal/Pool Photo via AP)

British Foreign Secretary David Lammy, front left, and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken board a train at Przemysl train station in Poland Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024 as they prepare to travel to Ukraine. (Leon Neal/Pool Photo via AP)

British Foreign Secretary David Lammy, front left, and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken board a train at Przemysl train station in Poland Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024 as they prepare to travel to Ukraine. (Leon Neal/Pool Photo via AP)

British Foreign Secretary David Lammy, front left, and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken board a train at Przemysl train station in Poland Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024 as they prepare to travel to Ukraine. (Leon Neal/Pool Photo via AP)

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The Masters adds two hours of weekend coverage on Paramount

2024-09-17 22:28 Last Updated At:22:31

The Masters and CBS are expanding television coverage next year by five hours, which includes two hours on Saturday and Sunday through the Paramount+ streaming service of CBS.

Augusta National also announced Tuesday another high-level corporate partner in Bank of America, bringing to four the number of “champion partners” for the major that attracts the largest viewing audience in golf.

The addition of Bank of America does not affect the commercial load. The Masters said the broadcast will continue with only four minutes of commercials each hour.

“The Masters Tournament has had the great fortune of enjoying an extraordinary relationship with CBS Sports for nearly 70 years,” said Fred Ridley, chairman of Augusta National and the Masters. ”Alongside our friends at the network, we are pleased to extend the tournament’s weekend coverage and ultimately deliver more live golf for Masters fans.”

CBS will add an hour to Saturday's broadcast. It will go from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. EDT next year, instead of starting at 3 p.m. The third and fourth rounds will be shown exclusively on Paramount+ from noon until 2 p.m., and will remain available on the streaming service through the 7 p.m. conclusion.

That brings the total coverage to 23 hours, which includes 3:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday and Friday broadcast by ESPN.

CBS also produces the expansive digital coverage through The Masters app that includes such features as Amen Corner, holes 4-6, holes 15-16 and featured pairings.

CBS has made its live coverage of sporting events available on Paramount+. The additional two hours on the weekend will be part of its exclusive content, the first time it has offered such content from golf.

The partnership between the Masters and CBS, a year-by-year contract, dates to 1956 when the network used six cameras to televise the last four holes. It was only 25 years ago when the Masters offered just 10 1/2 hours of live coverage on CBS, including three hours on Sunday.

Bank of America joins a small list of primary corporate sponsors at the Masters that includes AT&T, IBM and Mercedes-Benz, which each have extended their partnerships. The club does not disclose details of those contracts.

Bank of America has had a relationship with Augusta National for the last several years, serving as a presenting sponsor for the Augusta National Women's Amateur since its inception in 2019, as well as the Asia-Pacific Amateur and the Latin America Amateur since 2022.

“Through Bank of America’s support of our community initiatives and amateur events, they have become an impactful and committed partner in our organization’s mission in Augusta and around the globe,” Ridley said.

He said adding Bank of America as a top-level sponsor expands that relationship and strengthens the Masters “for many years to come.”

The Masters is April 10-13 next year, sticking with its tradition of being held the first full week of April. Scottie Scheffler is the defending champion.

AP golf: https://apnews.com/hub/golf

FILE - Fred Ridley, chairman of Augusta National Golf Club, shakes hands with Winner Scottie Scheffler at the Masters golf tournament at Augusta National Golf Club Sunday, April 14, 2024, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip, File)

FILE - Fred Ridley, chairman of Augusta National Golf Club, shakes hands with Winner Scottie Scheffler at the Masters golf tournament at Augusta National Golf Club Sunday, April 14, 2024, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip, File)

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