London, 15 September 2024 (PA Media/dpa/MIA) - The West will not be bullied by Russian President Vladimir Putin's threat of all-out war with NATO if Ukraine is given permission to use Western weapons to strike inside Russia, British Foreign Secretary David Lammy said.

Lammy said talks were continuing with the United States and allies about giving Kyiv permission to use UK-supplied Storm Shadow missiles to hit Russian airbases and military sites which are being used to launch attacks on Ukraine.

The foreign secretary has been part of intensive UK-US diplomatic talks in Kyiv and Washington in the past week which have so far failed to produce a decision.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has repeatedly pressed Western leaders for permission to use the weapons they have supplied to hit sites within Russia.

Putin has warned that allowing long-range strikes "would mean that NATO countries, the United States and European countries are at war with Russia."

But Lammy told Sky News broadcaster: "Putin said 'don't send tanks'. We sent them.

"Putin said 'don't send any missiles'. We sent them.

"Putin threatens every few months to use nuclear weapons.

"What he should now do is cease his aggression and leave Ukraine."

Lammy said there was "a lot of bluster" from Putin but "we cannot be blown off course by an imperialist fascist" who "wants to move into countries willy-nilly."

On the BBC broadcaster, he said talks would continue with Prime Minister Keir Starmer, US President Joe Biden and Zelensky at the United Nations in New York later this month.

Zelensky posted a fresh plea for aid on social media site X on Sunday: "This week, the Russians have launched around 30 missiles of various types, more than 800 guided aerial bombs, and nearly 300 strike drones against Ukraine.

"Ukraine needs strong support from our partners to defend lives against Russian terror-air defense, long-range capabilities, support for our warriors. Everything that will help force Russia to end this war.

"I thank everyone around the world who understands this and our partners who help and support us."

A British military intelligence update suggested Russia was continuing a "high tempo of offensive operations in multiple areas of the frontline" in the conflict.

A counter-offensive has been launched by airborne and naval infantry units in Kursk, the area of Russia invaded by Ukrainian forces, and they have "highly likely retaken several villages".

In eastern Ukraine, the Ministry of Defence intelligence update said Putin's troops were making "gradual advances" around Vuhledar and to the southeast of the important logistics hub Pokrovsk.

Photo: epa