Biden and Starmer Delay Decision on Ukraine Missiles

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and U.S. President Joe Biden have postponed a decision on whether to allow Ukraine to use Western-supplied long-range missiles to strike within Russia, following warnings from Moscow about potential conflict with NATO.

Speaking to reporters at the White House, Starmer explained that he and Biden had a “broad strategy discussion,” clarifying that it was not focused on a specific military capability. Prior to the meeting, officials suggested Starmer would push Biden to support the deployment of British Storm Shadow missiles, aimed at deepening Ukraine’s reach into Russian territory due to growing concerns about the situation on the battlefield.

However, Starmer indicated that further talks on the matter would take place during the U.N. General Assembly in New York the following week, involving a larger group of stakeholders.

During the meeting, as they sat with their respective teams flanked by U.S. and British flags, Biden dismissed Russian President Vladimir Putin’s warning that such missile use by Ukraine would amount to the West being “at war” with Russia. When asked about Putin’s remarks, Biden responded, “I don’t think much about Vladimir Putin.”

 

Putin Won’t Prevail

While Biden acknowledged that it is “clear Putin will not win this war,” he has been hesitant to fulfill Ukraine’s request for U.S.-made ATACMS long-range missiles. U.S. officials believe these weapons would have limited impact on Ukraine’s military efforts and are also concerned about depleting Washington’s own missile stockpiles.

Both leaders also discussed the ongoing war in Gaza. The U.K. recently suspended arms shipments to Israel, citing concerns over potential violations of international humanitarian law, whereas the U.S., Israel’s primary military ally, has not taken such steps. Biden and Starmer reaffirmed their strong support for Israel but emphasized the need for a ceasefire and urged Israel to do more to protect civilians in Gaza.

The White House had downplayed the likelihood of any major announcements on Ukraine emerging from Starmer’s visit. John Kirby, a spokesman for the National Security Council, said, “I wouldn’t expect any major announcements from our side.”

 

Fear of Inaction

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed frustration over the hesitancy of Ukraine’s Western allies. He accused them of being “afraid” to provide Ukraine with the defense systems it needs, citing how Israel has received robust support.

Zelensky also confirmed that he would meet Biden later in the month to discuss his “victory plan” to bring an end to the war with Russia, which began in February 2022.

Russia has reacted strongly to the idea of Ukraine receiving long-range weapons from the West. In a further sign of escalating tensions, Moscow revoked the credentials of six British diplomats, accusing them of espionage—a charge that London has dismissed as unfounded. Separately, Russia’s U.N. ambassador, Vassily Nebenzia, warned that NATO could find itself in “direct war with… a nuclear power” if Ukraine were allowed to use these long-range weapons.

As the U.S. election draws near, there is also uncertainty about Washington’s future stance on Ukraine. With Biden nearing the end of his term and the race between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump too close to call, the direction of U.S. policy could change dramatically. Trump, who has often praised Putin, declined to take a firm position on the war during a recent debate with Harris, stating only, “I want the war to stop.”

Starmer, however, dismissed concerns about a potential Trump presidency, emphasizing the urgency of supporting Ukraine in the coming weeks and months, regardless of political changes elsewhere.