By U.S. President Joe Biden and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer are set to meet in Washington on Friday, with Ukraine’s push to ease restrictions on Western-supplied weapons topping the agenda. The high-level talks come as Kyiv seeks approval to use long-range missiles for strikes deeper into Russian territory, a move that has sparked international debate and warnings from Moscow.
Ukraine’s request has gained urgency following increased Russian assaults on its electricity grid and utilities ahead of winter. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has been pressing U.S. and allied military leaders to allow the use of weapons such as the Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) for strikes against Russian air bases and launch sites far from the border.
President Biden hinted at a potential policy shift earlier this week, telling reporters, “We’re working that out now,” when asked about easing weapons restrictions. This follows similar comments from Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who noted during his recent visit to Kyiv that the U.S. has adapted and “will adjust as necessary” as Russia’s battlefield strategy evolves.
However, U.S. officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, cautioned that no immediate policy changes are expected to be announced during Starmer’s visit. The deliberations reflect the complex balancing act Western allies face in supporting Ukraine while avoiding direct conflict with Russia.
Russian President Vladimir Putin issued a stark warning on Thursday, stating that allowing long-range strikes “would mean that NATO countries, the United States, and European countries are at war with Russia.” He threatened “appropriate decisions based on the threats that will be created for us,” in line with the Kremlin’s longstanding narrative accusing NATO of de-facto participation in the conflict.
Prime Minister Starmer, responding to Putin’s comments en route to Washington, emphasized that Britain does not seek conflict with Russia. “Russia started this conflict. Russia illegally invaded Ukraine. Russia could end this conflict straight away,” Starmer told reporters, reaffirming Britain’s support for Ukraine’s right to self-defense.
The discussions come against a backdrop of evolving military dynamics. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin recently downplayed the potential game-changing impact of providing Ukraine with long-range weapon systems, noting that Ukraine has already demonstrated the ability to strike inside Russia using internally produced systems, including drones.
Pentagon officials have also pointed out that ATACMS would not address the primary threat Ukraine faces from long-range Russian glide bombs, which are being fired from beyond the missile system’s range. Additionally, there are concerns about the availability of sufficient ATACMS to make a substantive difference on the ground.
The meeting between Biden and Starmer also occurs in the context of broader international concerns. The leaders are expected to discuss the ongoing conflict in Gaza and efforts to secure a ceasefire, as well as prepare for the upcoming United Nations General Assembly.
The White House has recently emphasized the connection between the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, highlighting Iran’s delivery of short-range ballistic weapons to Russia for use against Ukraine. This development has raised concerns about Russia’s deepening relationship with Iran and its potential implications for European security.
As the talks unfold, the international community watches closely. The decisions made regarding weapons restrictions could have far-reaching consequences for the conflict in Ukraine, NATO-Russia relations, and the broader geopolitical landscape. The delicate balance between supporting Ukraine’s defense and avoiding escalation with Russia remains at the forefront of these high-stakes discussions.
AP
