Starmer says decision on Ukraine's use of Storm Shadow missiles to strike Russia not yet approved

During their meeting in Washington, the American president and the British prime minister discussed Ukraine’s request to lift restrictions on the use of missiles supplied by the United Kingdom against targets within Russia.

The two leaders had a 20-minute one-on-one conversation in the Oval Office before a larger group meeting with aides to discuss strategic issues, including matters related to Ukraine and the Middle East.

In remarks to reporters following his dialogue with Biden, Starmer hinted that further developments on Ukraine’s use of long-range strikes against Russia might occur at the United Nations General Assembly later this month.

“We'll obviously pick up again in UNGA in just a few days time with a wider group of individuals,” he said.

Response to Putin’s threats

The leaders also dismissed recent threats from Russian dictator Vladimir Putin, who suggested that Ukraine’s use of Storm Shadow missiles could potentially put NATO countries at war with Russia. US President Joe Biden responded to this by saying, “I don't think much about Vladimir Putin.”

When asked how soon he might be prepared to allow Ukraine to carry out long-range strikes against Russia, Biden added, “We're going to discuss that now.”

Starmer stated “This wasn’t a meeting about a particular capability,” but added: “We’ve come to a strong position.

What preceded

It is worth noting that Western officials had repeatedly emphasized that no decision regarding Storm Shadow missiles would be made during Biden and Starmer’s meeting on Friday.

Earlier, White House National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby stated that he did not expect an announcement today on the capability to strike within Russia at long distances. He also noted that there have been no changes in US policy on this matter.