No decision on Ukraine’s pleas to lift restrictions on the use of Western-supplied arms to strike into Russia was immediately forthcoming when the heads of the U.S. and British governments met at the White House on Friday.
President Joe Biden and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer met to discuss support for Ukraine amid its war with Russia, as well as the Middle East, and the Indo-Pacific.
Speaking to reporters at the White House, Starmer described their meeting as ”long and productive.” The prime minister did not directly address whether Ukraine should be allowed to fire Anglo-French Storm Shadow missiles and U.S.-supplied Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) into Russia.
He said the discussion at Friday’s meeting with Biden wasn’t about any particular decision and that conversations would continue in the days ahead with a broader group of world leaders at the United National General Assembly (UNGA).
“Talking strategically about tactical decisions, this isn’t about a particular decision, but we’ll obviously pick up again in UNGA in just a few days time with a wider group of individuals,” the British prime minister told reporters at the White House.
He added, “Ukraine has a right to self-defense, and we’ve stood united.”
Friday’s meeting was held one day after remarks by Russian President Vladimir Putin that were taken by Western leaders as a threat to escalate conflict into a broader war with West.
Putin told state television that Moscow would make “appropriate decisions” to address threats against Russia if NATO allowed Kyiv to strike country with Western-supplied long-range arms.
The Russian leader said move would change nature of conflict, and mark NATO’s direct involvement in war with Ukraine.
When asked about Putin’s remarks, Biden told reporters at White House on Friday, “I don’t think much of Vladimir Putin.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has pleaded for West to lift restrictions on Kyiv’s use of Western-supplied arms in conflict with Russia. Up until now, United States has permitted Ukraine to use U.S.-supplied weapons provided solely within restricted zone adjacent to Russian border.
Recent events signaled this position might change,and that Ukraine may receive answer it hoped for.
Kirby Clarifies US Policy
Remarks by Biden earlier this week sparked widespread speculation about possible shift in United States’ willingness allow Kyiv fire long-range weapons into Russia. When asked,Biden told reporters aboard Marine One,”We’re working that out right now.”
Come Friday morning before U.S.-UK summit ,White House National Security Communications Advisor Jake Kirby said there’s been no change US policy in this regard.
“I wouldn’t be looking for an announcement today about long-range strike capabilities inside Russia,certainly anything—certainly by United States,” he told reporters press gaggle.
Kirby declined say whether British or French leaders would allow Ukraine use their Storm Shadow missiles even if United States would not.”Of course these are sovereign countries,” he said adding they would decide what their support looks like.”And we respect that”,he added.
France and Britain currently supply Ukraine Anglo-French cruise missile which has maximum range around 155 miles,but only for use within its borders.The missiles fire from aircraft,reaching near speed sound,hugging terrain before they drop detonate high explosive warhead.
Kirby also declined say whether France or United Kingdom needs United States permission allow their long-range arms strike into Russia,given their missiles contain US components.Biden ,Starmer Meeting
Biden Starmer met one-on-one around 20 minutes Oval Office before longer group meeting aides.It was second bilateral meeting between two leaders,having met NATO Summit July.According readout meeting issued by White House,the leaders discussed range foreign policy issues depth.
“They reaffirmed unwavering support for Ukraine as it continues defend against Russias aggression”,White House stated.Biden Starmer expressed concern over Iran North Korea supplying Russia China lethal arms.They also discussed need Israel make more effort protect civilians address humanitarian concerns Gaza amid its war against Hamas terrorists.American British leaders condemned attacks Red Sea Iran-backed Houthi rebels discussed country cooperation clean energy,AUKUS,and other opportunities deepen ties according readout.Biden also expressed support Belfast/Good Friday Agreement role maintaining peace stability Northern Ireland.
