U.S. President Joe Biden and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized their strong support for Ukraine during a meeting on September 13. A White House statement following the talks did not address any potential changes to restrictions on Ukraine’s use of long-range weapons within Russian territory.
As discussions took place with indications of increased willingness among Ukraine’s allies to allow deeper strikes into Russia, Starmer was expected to raise the issue with Biden. However, the statement from the White House focused on a range of global matters and reiterated support for Ukraine in its defense against Russian aggression.
The statement included an expression of concern regarding Iran and North Korea supplying lethal weapons to Russia, along with China’s support for Russia’s defense sector. The U.S. has maintained strict limitations on the use of military aid, fearing that deeper strikes could escalate the conflict and provoke Russia into using nuclear weapons.
Ahead of the meeting, National Security Council spokesman John Kirby downplayed expectations for any policy changes regarding these restrictions. The discussions between Biden and Starmer followed Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s recent trip to Europe, where he noted requests from Ukraine and its allies to ease these limitations, assuring that he would communicate these to Biden.
In May, Biden altered U.S. policy to allow Ukraine to use U.S.-donated missiles for defense against a major Russian offensive. However, the range of these strikes remained limited to areas near the border. Reports indicated that the UK had consented to Ukraine utilizing its Storm Shadow missiles for deeper strikes, although some sources suggested that Washington’s approval might be necessary due to U.S. components in the weapon systems.
Russian President Vladimir Putin responded by warning against any policy changes that might permit Western weaponry to target his country, asserting that such actions would imply a NATO war with Russia. He suggested that Ukraine would require NATO satellite support to execute these operations, and that only NATO personnel could handle the missile systems.
President Biden dismissed Putin’s threats, expressing indifference toward the Russian leader’s warning. Meanwhile, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz reiterated Germany’s decision not to supply long-range missiles to Ukraine, stating that their stance on the matter would not change.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has increasingly urged Western allies to relax restrictions on military aid, emphasizing that enhanced capabilities are crucial for Ukraine’s defense as Russia relocates its long-range arms out of reach. Amid ongoing offensives, Russia has made notable territorial advances in eastern Ukraine and launched a counteroffensive to reclaim areas lost to Ukraine since World War II.
Zelenskiy reported that Ukraine’s counterattack in the Kursk region had achieved limited success thus far. He described the situation in the eastern city of Pokrovsk as challenging but stabilizing. Zelenskiy also indicated plans to present a “victory plan” to Biden aimed at concluding the war, highlighting the need for robust support from allies for effective negotiations with Russia.
During their discussions, Biden and Starmer reaffirmed their commitment to Israel’s security, addressed the urgent need for a ceasefire to free hostages and provide relief in Gaza, and emphasized the necessity for Israel to safeguard civilians amid the humanitarian crisis. Additionally, they discussed various foreign policy issues, including threats to commercial shipping in the Red Sea from Iranian-supported Huthi rebels, environmental challenges, and economic relations.