Ukraine War Briefing: Biden and Starmer Avoid Committing to Storm Shadow Missile Approval
President Biden’s discussions with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer regarding Ukraine’s potential use of long-range Western missiles highlighted the ongoing concern about escalating the conflict with Russia. The key decision now facing Biden, following their closed-door meeting at the White House on Friday, is whether to approve the use of long-range missiles supplied by Britain and France.
During the meeting, Biden reaffirmed his commitment to supporting Ukraine’s defense but did not address whether he would authorize deeper strikes into Russian territory with these advanced weapons. “We’re going to discuss that now,” Biden told reporters, signaling the complexity of the decision at hand.
Prime Minister Starmer emphasized the importance of continued support for Ukraine, describing the coming weeks and months as crucial for the country’s defense in what he termed a “vital war of freedom.”
Earlier in the week, European officials suggested that Biden was considering approving the use of British and French long-range missiles, which would align with the desires of both Starmer and French officials to present a unified front against Russia. However, Biden has been cautious about extending the same approval to U.S.-provided arms, due to concerns that such a move could be perceived by Russian President Vladimir Putin as a significant escalation. Putin had responded to such reports by suggesting that it would equate to NATO countries being at war with Russia.
Following the White House meeting, Biden and Starmer offered little insight into immediate actions. Both leaders indicated that no announcement was expected right away. Historically, Western nations have supplied Ukraine with new military equipment without prior public disclosure.
“This wasn’t about a particular decision that we’ll obviously pick up again in UNGA in just a few days’ time with a wider group of individuals,” Starmer said, referring to the upcoming United Nations General Assembly meeting in New York. He hinted that a decision on the missiles might be forthcoming soon.
John F. Kirby, the White House National Security spokesman, stated that the administration remains cautious about any escalation. He emphasized that there is no change in Biden’s stance against allowing Ukraine to use U.S. missiles for strikes inside Russia. “There is no change to our view on the provision of long-range strike capabilities for Ukraine to use inside Russia,” Kirby said, indicating that no major announcements were anticipated from the discussions.
