Russian President Vladimir Putin has suggested that any Western missiles fired into Russia would be viewed as a serious escalation, potentially drawing NATO countries directly into the Ukraine conflict. In response, Sir Keir Starmer, the UK Prime Minister, has firmly stated that Russia, which initiated the conflict, has the power to end it "immediately."
Starmer, who is currently in Washington for talks with US President Joe Biden, emphasized that Russia's invasion of Ukraine was illegal and that the onus to end the conflict lies with Moscow. His comments came as discussions among Ukraine’s allies are intensifying over whether to permit Ukraine to target sites within Russia with Western missiles.
Putin, speaking to Russian state television, warned that Western missiles targeting Russian soil would signify direct NATO involvement, fundamentally altering the conflict's nature. He indicated that Russia would respond to any such escalations based on the new threats posed.
In a robust response during his flight to Washington, Starmer reiterated that Russia is responsible for starting the war and can resolve it at any time. He stressed, "Russia started this conflict. Russia illegally invaded Ukraine. Russia can end this conflict straight away."
The Prime Minister, alongside Foreign Secretary David Lammy, is engaging in international diplomacy, addressing the impact of Iran’s increased support for Russia. Lammy, who recently visited Kyiv with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, noted that Iran's actions significantly shift the debate.
Following his visit to Washington, Starmer will travel to Rome on Sunday to meet with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Italy, which currently holds the G7 presidency, will host world leaders in New York for the UN General Assembly the following week.
There has been reluctance to allow Ukraine to use Western missiles against Russian targets due to fears of provoking a direct confrontation with NATO. However, with winter approaching and Russia receiving additional support from Iran, there is a growing shift in perspectives.
While senior officials remain cautious about the use of Storm Shadow missiles, the Prime Minister acknowledged the importance of upcoming developments in Ukraine and the Middle East. He refrained from denying that discussions about the missile system are ongoing, noting that both Blinken and Lammy have recently visited Ukraine.
Putin, earlier in the day, differentiated between current Ukrainian strikes using drones and potential escalations with advanced Western weaponry. He claimed that the sophisticated, long-range systems would require NATO intelligence and involvement, thus representing direct participation in the conflict.
This is Starmer’s second visit to Washington in just over two months, following his trip in July for the NATO Summit and a White House visit. He clarified that he would not meet Vice President Kamala Harris during this trip, as she will be engaged in other parts of the US.
Starmer commented, “No, because she will be in other parts of the US as you’d expect, rather than Washington. She’ll be in swing states... That’s fine.”
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