Ukrainian Prime Minister Volodymyr Zelensky met with UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte to discuss the ongoing war with Russia. Zelensky once again requested permission to use long-range missiles, specifically the British-manufactured Storm Shadow missiles, in the conflict. However, the UK government has thus far refused to grant this request due to concerns over potential consequences if the conflict escalates further.
During their meeting, Rutte stated that there is no legal barrier preventing Ukraine from using Western-supplied weapons against targets within Russia. However, he emphasized that decisions regarding weapon usage must be made by individual states. Zelensky referred to his “Victory Plan,” which aims to create favorable conditions for ending the war justly and expressed gratitude for the United Kingdom’s continued defense support.
Zelensky has been advocating for permission to use Storm Shadow missiles and other Western-supplied weapons against Russian airbases and military sites. This meeting marked his second visit to No.10 Downing Street in less than three months, highlighting the importance of Ukraine-UK relations.
The discussions involved private talks between Zelensky and Starmer before expanding into conversations with their respective teams. Senior figures such as Defense Secretary John Healey, Chief of Defense Staff Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, and National Security Adviser Sir Tim Barrow were also present during these discussions.
Downing Street confirmed that there had been no change in the UK’s position on allowing Ukraine access to Storm Shadow missiles. Rutte clarified that under international law, Ukraine would be permitted to use these missiles for defensive purposes against Russian threats.
When asked about potential concerns regarding a return of Donald Trump as US President after next month’s election and its impact on US support for Ukraine, Rutte expressed confidence that US involvement was crucial not only for Ukraine but also for American security interests.
The article concludes by providing background information on the Russia-Ukraine conflict since 2014 when Russia annexed Crimea and supported pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine. Both Conservative and Labour governments in the UK have pledged support and funding despite financial challenges faced by Britain.
discussions centered around granting permission for Ukraine’s use of long-range missiles while acknowledging broader issues surrounding support during this critical period ahead of winter months.