LONDON — Iran has sent short-range ballistic missiles to Russia, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Tuesday, and Washington has responded with sanctions for the move, which pulls Tehran further into the Ukraine conflict.

       The potent weapons bolster Moscow’s armory at a pivotal moment in its grinding war, as Ukrainian forces hold a small swath of Russia but face setbacks in their defense of Ukraine’s east. With leaders in Kyiv clamoring for expanded U.S. weapons assistance, Blinken said he will visit the capital for consultations on Wednesday.