Starmer defies Putin as he and Biden prepare to escalate Ukraine war with missiles

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Sir Keir Starmer boldly faced the possibility of revenge from Vladimir Putin as he headed to Washington DC for discussions with Joe Biden regarding the conflict in Ukraine.

It is thought that the prime minister and the US president are close to permitting Kyiv to launch a new offensive against Russia with the help of long-range Storm Shadow missiles from the West.

However, in a message that seemed to be delivered just as Sir Keir and his team were crossing the Atlantic on their journey to the US, President Putin stated that such an action would signify that Russia would be “at war with NATO.”

Mr. Putin stated in an interview with Russian state television that the issue isn't about whether to permit Ukraine to use these weapons against Russia. Instead, it's about determining if NATO countries are actively participating in a military conflict.

However, a resolute prime minister expressed to reporters on the plane: "Let me be clear, it was Russia that initiated this situation. They are the ones responsible for the conflict and are behaving unlawfully. Naturally, Ukraine has the right to defend itself."

That's why we've been offering training and building skills. Clearly, there are more conversations to be had regarding the specifics of that training.

"My goal is to ensure that our tactical conversations are framed within the right strategic context regarding the situation in Ukraine. Similarly, there are tactical matters concerning the Middle East that also need to be understood within a broader strategic perspective, rather than just focusing on the tactical details."

The upcoming bilateral summit has been meticulously planned, featuring a joint trip to Kyiv by Foreign Secretary David Lammy and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken this week. It is believed that both the prime minister and the president aim to develop a comprehensive strategy for a lasting victory in Ukraine.

Mr. Lammy and Mr. Blinken met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and other top Ukrainian officials to discuss the request for permission to use long-range Storm Shadow missiles against Mr. Putin's troops.

Although there won't be any official statements regarding the decision, the deployment of the missiles, capable of traveling up to 155 miles, will be a key topic of conversation at the summit in Washington.

Sir Keir emphasized that the focus of the meeting was on a broader strategy instead of specific tactics. He highlighted the need for a long-term plan that would endure the upcoming US presidential election and any possible shifts in policy from Donald Trump.

He mentioned that we have a strong partnership with the United States and are very much in sync, especially regarding matters such as Ukraine and the Middle East.

Significant events are expected to unfold in the coming weeks and months, particularly in Ukraine and the Middle East. As a result, several strategic choices will have to be made.

"I really want to make sure that our tactical decisions are guided by a broader strategy. In my experience, during international meetings—especially on the sidelines of other events—there often isn't enough room for these important strategic conversations. That's why it's crucial to engage in this kind of strategic dialogue with a key partner."

As you're aware, the two secretaries of state, Mr. Blinken and David Lammy, recently visited Ukraine. Their presence is significant as they're here to share insights about a crucial joint mission.

The goal is to engage in a strategic conversation, ensuring that the tactical choices we make aren't just isolated actions taken one after another. Instead, we want these decisions to align with a broader strategic framework.

Mr. Lammy has stated that the UK is set to provide an additional £600 million in support for Ukraine to assist in its efforts in the war, in addition to the £3 billion it will continue to give annually for as long as necessary, a commitment that was affirmed by the prime minister back in July.

Kyiv possesses stocks of Anglo-French missiles; however, it currently lacks authorization to use them against targets in Russia.

Mr. Zelensky's administration has been asking for permission to push the conflict deeper into Russia as a way to launch counterattacks and stop any additional gains made by Mr. Putin's troops.

In the lengthy meeting at the White House, the prime minister and the president will also address the pressing need for a ceasefire agreement and the release of all captives in the Middle East.

This comes after internal disagreements concerning the UK's choice to halt 30 out of 350 arms export licenses to Israel. This decision was influenced by legal guidance suggesting that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) might be breaching international humanitarian law.

As stated by Downing Street, the meeting will center on strategy and explore ways to make headway towards a lasting solution for both issues.

The goal is to ensure that the choices made will be resilient against any potential outcomes of the US presidential election, especially considering the uncertainty surrounding Trump's stance on Ukraine.

The conversations about Storm Shadow missiles come in the wake of a major increase in the conflict in Ukraine. This week, it was also confirmed that Iran has sent ballistic missiles to Russia, enhancing President Putin's ability to maintain his unlawful campaign.

Regarding the situation in the Middle East, Sir Keir and Mr. Biden will talk about the tragic casualties in Gaza and the pressing need to advance efforts for the release of every hostage. They will also focus on establishing a ceasefire between both parties and emphasize the importance of preventing any further escalation in the region.

The meeting is anticipated to cover various international topics, such as promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific region and enhancing collaboration between the US and the UK to protect supply chains and boost resilience to climate change.

The president and the prime minister are on the same page about the need for both governments to leverage the strong bond between the US and the UK to enhance collaboration on common global issues.

This is Sir Keir’s second journey to Washington DC since he won the election on July 5. His earlier visit took place in his first complete week as prime minister when he went to the US to celebrate NATO's 75th anniversary. While he was there, he had to support President Biden in response to demands for him to withdraw as the Democratic nominee for the upcoming November election.

Since then, President Biden has handed over responsibilities to Kamala Harris, his vice president, who is now the Democratic nominee. This upcoming meeting will mark the last official interaction between the two leaders before a new administration takes over.

Sir Keir won't be meeting with Ms. Harris right before the US election. Instead, he intends to have a breakfast meeting with business leaders in Washington before his audience with the president.

The prime minister stated that Ms. Harris won't be in Washington since she will be out campaigning in key states, which is to be expected.