UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has reiterated that Russia initiated the conflict in Ukraine and has the power to end it immediately. His remarks come in response to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s warning that Western missiles targeting Russia would be considered a serious escalation, implying direct NATO involvement.
Starmer, currently in Washington for talks with U.S. President Joe Biden, addressed reporters about the situation, stating, “Russia started this conflict. Russia illegally invaded Ukraine. Russia can end this conflict straight away.” He emphasized Russia’s responsibility for the war and stressed that it remains Russia’s decision to cease the conflict.
Putin’s comments, aired on Russian state television, suggested that if NATO countries allow Ukraine to fire Western-made missiles at Russia, it would be seen as direct involvement in the war. He added that such actions would change the nature of the conflict, prompting Russia to take appropriate measures to counter the new threats.
As discussions among Ukraine’s allies about permitting missile strikes on Russian territory continue, Putin has expressed concerns about Western nations potentially escalating the war by providing Ukraine with advanced weaponry and intelligence.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy, who is accompanying Starmer, has been engaging in diplomatic talks with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Ukrainian officials. As winter approaches and with Iran’s increased support for Russia, international leaders are reassessing their military strategies to support Ukraine.
Starmer’s visit to Washington comes as part of a broader diplomatic effort, with the prime minister set to meet Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni in Rome after his return, and world leaders preparing for the UN General Assembly in New York.
There has been ongoing caution regarding Ukraine using Western-made missiles to target Russia, with concerns that this could provoke further involvement from the U.S. and European countries. However, with new threats on the horizon, the topic is under serious consideration.
Putin claimed that Ukraine lacks the capability to strike Russia with long-range precision weapons without the intelligence support of NATO, further framing the conflict as a direct standoff between Russia and the West.