No New Decision on Long-Range Missiles for Ukraine After Starmer-Biden Talks



Publish on:- 14/09/24


 UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer did not confirm any decision on allowing Ukraine to use long-range missiles to strike targets inside Russia following discussions with US President Joe Biden in Washington. When asked about persuading Biden to authorize the use of Storm Shadow missiles in Russia, Starmer said they had a "productive discussion on many fronts, including Ukraine."

 

The talks between Starmer and Biden centred on strategic concerns, including second-guessing Russian President Vladimir Putin’s next moves. Ahead of the White House meeting, Putin warned that allowing Ukraine to fire long-range missiles into Russian territory would signify NATO's "direct participation" in the conflict. However, former UK Defence Secretary Sir Ben Wallace argued that NATO should permit Ukraine to strike within Russia despite Putin’s warnings, criticizing ongoing delays over providing Ukraine with such capabilities.

 

US and UK officials have thus far restricted the use of long-range missiles in Russia, citing fears of escalating the war. Ukraine, however, insists that hitting the bases from which Russia launches attacks on Ukrainian cities is essential for self-defence. President Zelensky has consistently called on Western allies to lift these restrictions, stating it is critical to bringing the war to an end.

 

In response to Putin’s threats, Kurt Volker, former US special representative for Ukraine negotiations, said that Putin aims to deter Western support for Ukraine but that such threats should not dictate strategy. Meanwhile, the US reiterated that no changes are planned regarding the limits placed on Ukraine's use of American weapons on Russian soil.

 

During their meeting, Biden and Starmer also discussed global issues, including the Israel-Gaza conflict and concerns over Iran and North Korea's provision of weapons to Russia. As the war rages on, Ukraine continues to urge for more long-range capabilities to defend against ongoing Russian attacks.

 

Moscow, in retaliation, expelled six British diplomats, accusing them of espionage—allegations dismissed by the UK Foreign Office as baseless. UK defence analyst Justin Crump noted that Putin is testing the resolve of both the UK and the Biden administration, but added that Russia is unlikely to escalate the conflict with NATO, given its current struggles against Ukraine alone.