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US and UK Leaders Reaffirm Support for Ukraine Amid Calls to Loosen Weapon Restrictions
On September 13, U.S. President Joe Biden and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer met to discuss various foreign policy issues, with a particular focus on Ukraine. The leaders reiterated their “unwavering support” for Ukraine as it continues to defend against Russia’s aggression, as reported by a White House statement after the talks.
The meeting took place amidst growing calls for loosening restrictions on the use of long-range weapons donated to Ukraine. This would allow Kyiv to strike targets deep inside Russian territory, a move that has sparked concerns about a potential escalation in the conflict and the risk of Russia using nuclear weapons.
Despite expectations that Starmer would address the topic during the meeting, the White House statement did not mention any specific discussions on lifting the restrictions. Instead, it highlighted a pledge of continued support for Ukraine and expressed concerns about Iran and North Korea providing lethal weapons to Russia.
The United States has been cautious about allowing Ukraine to strike deep inside Russia, fearing the potential consequences. However, there have been reports that the UK has given permission for Ukraine to use its Storm Shadow missile for long-range strikes. This has raised questions about the involvement of U.S.-made components in the weaponry and the need for Washington’s approval.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned against any policy changes that would enable Western weapons to be used for long-range strikes on Russian territory, suggesting that such actions could lead to a conflict with NATO.
In response to Putin’s warning, Biden dismissed concerns about the Russian president and reiterated the U.S. commitment to supporting Ukraine. Meanwhile, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz reaffirmed Germany’s decision not to provide long-range missiles to Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has been advocating for loosening restrictions on donated weapons to enhance Ukraine’s defense capabilities. He has emphasized the need for longer-range capability to counter the advancing Russian forces, who have made territorial gains in eastern Ukraine.
Zelenskiy plans to present a “victory plan” to end the war with Russia to Biden later this month, aiming to achieve a lasting peace through negotiations. He has also highlighted the importance of Western support in dealing with the conflict and repeated calls for assistance in conducting long-range strikes into Russia.
In addition to discussing Ukraine, Biden and Starmer also reiterated their commitment to Israel’s security and addressed various other foreign policy issues, including the situation in Gaza, attacks on commercial shipping by Iran-backed rebels, environmental concerns, and economic ties.
As the conflict in Ukraine continues to evolve, the international community faces complex challenges in balancing support for Ukraine’s defense needs while avoiding actions that could escalate tensions in the region. The outcome of discussions between world leaders will be crucial in determining the future trajectory of the conflict and the efforts to achieve a peaceful resolution.
