Starmer Boosts US-UK Ties but Dodges Decisions on Ukraine’s Long-Range Missile Dilemma

Keir Starmer emphasizes the importance of the US-UK bond, yet uncertainties linger regarding Ukraine's deployment of long-range missiles. Lately, Ukraine has been pressing its allies for approval to launch long-range missiles further into Russian areas. However, Sir Keir Starmer has not clarified whether the UK and US will grant permission, even after his discussion with President Biden.

By Kieren Williams, news correspondent

Saturday, September 14, 2024, at 4

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Sir Keir Starmer praised the alliance between the US and UK following his meeting at the White House with President Joe Biden. However, there are still unresolved issues regarding how Ukraine is employing its long-range missiles.

This week, the Prime Minister visited Washington to engage in discussions with President Biden about the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, among other topics.

Before the extensive and fruitful discussion at the White House on Friday, Sir Keir remarked that the two nations are in strategic agreement in their efforts to address the conflict.

Later, he evaded inquiries about Ukraine's deployment of long-range missiles, stating, "We engaged in an extensive and fruitful conversation covering various issues, such as Ukraine, as anticipated, along with the Middle East and the Indo-Pacific, strategically discussing tactical choices."

"This isn't focused on a specific resolution, but we will certainly reconvene at the UN General Assembly (UNGA) shortly with a larger assembly of participants. However, this was a crucial summons from the president to engage in discussions on these vital topics at this level."

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Ukraine's key Western supporters face pressing choices as President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has recently intensified his calls for them to allow his military the use of long-range missiles for operations within Russia.

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Nevertheless, despite ongoing appeals for a resolution, Western nations have thus far declined to approve the deployment of the missiles.

According to Reuters, two American officials aware of the talks have indicated that Sir Keir is pursuing American consent for Ukraine to deploy UK Storm Shadow missiles in broader attacks against Russia.

They also mentioned that they thought Mr. Biden would be receptive.

The endorsement of the president is required since components of the Storm Shadow are manufactured in the United States.

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During the press conference following the meeting, Sir Keir faced persistent inquiries from reporters about the long-range missile issue, yet he consistently avoided committing to a definitive stance.

"He emphasized that today's gathering was not focused on a specific skill or function. That wasn't the purpose of our discussion," he stated.

The U.S. has approached the situation with caution, fearing that any action might intensify the ongoing conflict. Nonetheless, recent reports suggest that President Biden may be considering a change in his administration's approach.

It's a modest beginning

American reporter

There wasn't a lot to discuss in conclusion, yet it was a beginning.

In the conversations, each party had been tempering hopes, with the U.S. firmly maintaining its position on Ukraine and long-range missiles.

"It appears there's nothing of interest," was the implied suggestion.

However, a quick look at the headlines clearly contradicted that.

Rarely does a Russian leader issue threats of conflict against Western nations.

The UK and US were considering a shift in their approach, as failing to do so would be a neglect of their responsibilities, given both leaders have promised to support Ukraine's battle.

Seek insights from Ukraine's leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

After the discussion, Sir Keir Starmer mentioned that they had discussed tactics and strategies.

The focus will have been on its missiles, reach, and Russian land.

This represents the significant shift in strategy that Ukraine is calling for, which has broad support from its allies.

A strategy proposed by both parties in the unique alliance will be presented to other allied countries to form a unified coalition supporting a shift in tactics.

They will race against time.

The war in Ukraine is marked by its inherent unpredictability, and similarly, the political struggles within the country are equally uncertain.

A win for Trump in the upcoming US election would alter the landscape both domestically and internationally.

Previously, Vladimir Putin issued a warning to Western nations, stating that if Ukraine were permitted to use long-range missiles to target areas within Russia, it would be considered an act of war against NATO by Moscow.

In an interview with Russian state television, he emphasized that the decision would "fundamentally alter" the dynamics of the conflict.

He further stated, "Their involvement will be firsthand, and this will fundamentally alter the core and character of the conflict."

This implies that NATO member states, including the United States and various European nations, are engaged in a conflict with Russia.

"Should this be the case, considering the fundamental shift in the nature of this conflict, we will take necessary actions in response to the emerging threats we face."

Stay informed about the most recent developments in the UK and globally by tuning into Sky News.

In response to inquiries about the threats, President Biden dismissed them, stating, "Vladimir Putin doesn't occupy much of my thoughts."

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Further reading: Biden is open to the possibility of Ukraine striking targets within Russia, says Blinken. Blinken also notes that Iran is providing ballistic missiles to Russia. Analysis indicates that the relationship between Russia and Iran is intensifying.

There is still some doubt in the US about the effects of permitting Kyiv to use long-range missiles.

According to Reuters, US authorities have noted that Ukraine is already capable of launching drone attacks into Russia. They added that although American missiles could improve this capability, their high cost and limited availability mean they would not significantly alter the overall situation.

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