On September 13, 2024, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and US President Joe Biden engaged in crucial discussions at the White House regarding the potential use of long-range European missiles by Ukraine to target deep inside Russia. This conversation comes amid escalating tensions, as Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that such a move would place NATO 'in a state of war' with Moscow.
The Wall Street Journal reported that Western nations have been hesitant to allow Ukraine to utilize long-range weapons, such as the British-French Storm Shadow missiles, due to fears of provoking further conflict and potential retaliation from Russia, including arming the Houthis in Yemen for attacks in the Red Sea.
Biden, prior to the meeting, downplayed concerns about Putin, indicating that discussions would include the implications of allowing Ukraine to use long-range missiles. The decision to permit Ukraine to use missiles capable of striking targets 250 kilometers away could provide significant strategic advantages to Ukrainian forces, currently facing Russian advances.
Kyiv has been pressing for permission to deploy French SCALP long-range missiles and US ATACAMs. While France appears to lean towards approving the SCALP, US officials have indicated that Biden remains cautious regarding the ATACAMs, despite expanding the operational area for other US weaponry in response to Russian aggression.
John Kirby, spokesperson for the US National Security Council, reiterated that the Biden administration is taking Putin's threats seriously and that there has been no change in the stance on allowing Ukraine to conduct long-range strikes inside Russia. The White House emphasized its unwavering support for Ukraine's defense against Russian aggression, although any approval for long-range missile use would mark a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict.
