UK PM hints at backing Ukraine's strikes on Russia with Storm Shadow missiles

As reported by Politico, Starmer stated that Ukraine's allies must ensure it is placed in the “strongest possible position” to succeed. His comments come after reports that Ukraine had used long-range U.S. missiles to strike Russian targets for the first time.

Starmer argued to broadcasters at the G20 summit in Rio that it is down to Putin alone to end the “suffering” he has inflicted on Ukraine. “The quickest way to end this conflict is for Russia to cease, and that is the quickest, most simple and just way of ending this,” the prime minister told BBC News. 

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has previously tried to avoid directly addressing whether Ukraine has received similar authorization for Storm Shadow missiles, given their reliance on U.S. navigation data. However, by November 19, Starmer’s language had become more assertive, hinting that the use of Storm Shadow missiles for long-range strikes on Russian targets was likely imminent.

“My position has always been that Ukraine must have what it needs for as long as it needs. Putin must not win this war. But look, forgive me, I’m not going to go into operational matters, because there’s only one winner if I do that, and that is Putin,” Starmer stated.

Senior UK officials explained to the Times that this shift in rhetoric was deliberate, signaling the U.S. had eased restrictions on the use of Storm Shadow missiles. After taking office in July, Starmer emphasized that Ukraine must decide how to use long-range weapons for its defense. However, his public remarks became more reserved as U.S. President Joe Biden hesitated to greenlight the use of ATACMS and Storm Shadow missiles.

• U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs, Brian Nichols, confirmed that President Joe Biden has authorized Ukraine to use American weapons to strike Russian territory.