UK Ex-Officials Urge Starmer to Allow Ukraine's Use of Long-Range Missiles

In a significant development, Keir Starmer, the British Labour Prime Minister, faces pressure from former Conservative officials to authorize Ukraine's use of long-range missiles within Russian territory. This call for action comes even without explicit U.S. support, highlighting the complex dynamics of international military aid.

The Sunday Times reported on September 15, 2024, that five former Conservative defence secretaries - Grant Shapps, Ben Wallace, Gavin Williamson, Penny Mordaunt, and Liam Fox - along with ex-Prime Minister Boris Johnson, have urged Starmer to take this bold step. Their collective statement warns that "any further delay will embolden President Putin," emphasizing the urgency of the situation.

This plea aligns with Volodymyr Zelenskiy's ongoing requests to Western allies. The Ukrainian President has been advocating for months to allow the use of Western missiles, including the U.S. ATACMS and British Storm Shadows, to strike deep into Russia. These advanced weapons systems, with ranges exceeding 250 km, could potentially limit Moscow's ability to launch attacks on Ukrainian soil.

The issue gained renewed attention following talks between Starmer and U.S. President Joe Biden in Washington on September 13, 2024. While no official decision was announced, the meeting underscored the ongoing deliberations among Western allies regarding the extent of military support for Ukraine.

It's worth noting that the Labour Party, led by Starmer since April 2020, has been in opposition in the UK since 2010. This current situation presents a significant foreign policy challenge for the party, which has historically favored international cooperation and multilateralism.

"The West would be directly fighting Russia if it allowed Ukraine to strike with Western-made long-range missiles."

Putin's statement reflects the high stakes involved in this decision. The Russian leader's warning adds another layer of complexity to an already intricate geopolitical situation.

The debate over long-range missiles occurs against the backdrop of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, which began on February 24, 2022. Over the past two and a half years, the UK has emerged as a major supporter of Ukraine, providing substantial military aid and training.

However, some U.S. officials remain skeptical about the potential impact of allowing Ukraine to use these long-range missiles. They question whether such a move would significantly alter the course of the conflict, which has now stretched into its third year.

As the international community watches closely, the decision on long-range missiles could mark a pivotal moment in Western support for Ukraine. It also highlights the delicate balance that leaders like Starmer must strike between supporting allies and avoiding direct confrontation with nuclear-armed powers.