Labour Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to meet US President Joe Biden in Washington today amid mounting speculation Western allies could green-light Ukrainian use of their missiles to strike inside Russia.
Ukraine has long pushed for greater licence in its use of Western weapons – including Anglo-French Storm Shadow missiles – as the country fights back against the Russian invasion.
But many Western leaders have shown reluctance to allow this since the conflict began, over fears it could lead to wider escalation.
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However, supporters of Ukraine argue the nation needs the ability to hit targets inside Russia to be able to stage an effective resistance – and point to Russia’s use of foreign-sourced munitions against cities in Ukraine.
Responding to remarks by Russian President Vladimir Putin – who suggested last night granting this permission would be treated as the “direct participation of Nato countries” in the war – Starmer said: “Russia started this conflict. Russia illegally invaded Ukraine. Russia can end this conflict straight away.”
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