Ukraine military aid/ Ukraine long-range weapons/ Western weapons restrictions on Ukraine/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ Ukraine is seeking approval to use Western-supplied weapons for deeper strikes into Russia. U.S. President Joe Biden and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer are expected to discuss this in Washington. Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that such actions could escalate the war, but no immediate policy changes are expected.
Ukraine’s Weapon Push – Quick Looks
- U.S. and British leaders meet to discuss Ukraine’s request to ease restrictions on using Western weapons against Russia.
- Ukrainian officials want long-range strikes on Russian targets as part of their defense strategy.
- Russian President Vladimir Putin warns that NATO’s involvement would escalate the war.
- U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken says the U.S. may adjust its policies as needed.
- Ukrainian President Zelenskyy is pushing for more long-range weapons, like the ATACMS.
- Pentagon officials are skeptical about the impact of providing long-range weapons to Ukraine.
Biden, Starmer Address Ukraine Weapons in Washington
Deep Look
In Washington, U.S. President Joe Biden and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer are set to engage in crucial talks on Friday, focusing on Ukraine’s request to ease restrictions on using Western-supplied weapons. Ukraine has asked both nations to allow deeper strikes inside Russia, a move that could mark a significant shift in the way Western aid is applied in the ongoing conflict.
Ukraine’s government, led by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, has renewed its plea to expand the scope of attacks against Russian targets far beyond the border, using weapons supplied by the U.S. and the UK. The matter has become more pressing as Ukraine faces increased Russian assaults on critical infrastructure. Officials in Kyiv argue that attacking Russian air bases and launch sites is essential to defending Ukraine and preventing further damage to their energy grid as winter approaches.
Though Ukraine’s military strategy is clear, Western leaders have been more cautious. President Biden, who has hinted at a possible change in policy, has yet to give the green light for Ukraine to strike deeper into Russia. While speaking with reporters earlier this week, Biden confirmed that his administration is “working that out now,” in reference to Ukraine’s request. However, officials familiar with the upcoming talks between Biden and Starmer suggest that any decision on this front is unlikely to be finalized during the UK prime minister’s visit.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who visited Kyiv recently alongside British Foreign Secretary David Lammy, also acknowledged that Biden and Starmer would discuss the weapons issue. Blinken expressed confidence that the U.S. would continue adapting its military support as needed, but stopped short of guaranteeing a policy shift. This mirrors the stance the U.S. took earlier this year when it allowed Ukraine to use Western-supplied weapons on Russian targets just over the border—though only those deemed an immediate threat.
Russia, meanwhile, has reacted sharply to Ukraine’s push for broader weapon use. President Vladimir Putin warned that long-range strikes against Russian targets would drag NATO into direct conflict with Moscow. He framed such actions as crossing a dangerous line, implying that NATO countries—especially the U.S. and European allies—would be “at war with Russia” if Ukraine were to escalate its attacks. Putin reiterated that Russia would respond accordingly, based on any threats posed by NATO’s actions.
The Kremlin has long promoted the narrative that NATO’s support for Ukraine is tantamount to participating in the war, and this issue has become a focal point in the strained relations between Russia and the West. Putin’s warnings earlier this year suggested that if Western nations allowed Ukraine to strike deeper into Russian territory, Russia might consider providing long-range weapons to other adversaries of NATO members, escalating the conflict further.
Prime Minister Starmer, responding to Putin’s threats while en route to Washington, reaffirmed that Britain does not seek a direct confrontation with Russia. “Russia started this conflict by illegally invading Ukraine,” Starmer said. “Ukraine has the right to self-defense, and we’re fully supportive of that right.” Starmer emphasized that the UK’s involvement is limited to providing training and defensive support, and that the country is not interested in escalating tensions with Russia.
President Zelenskyy has taken a more aggressive stance in lobbying for expanded military aid, calling on Western leaders to provide more advanced long-range weapons, including the Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS). Zelenskyy argues that these weapons are vital for Ukraine to target key Russian facilities and prevent further damage to Ukrainian infrastructure. However, U.S. officials remain skeptical about the efficacy of ATACMS in Ukraine’s current fight. Pentagon spokesperson Lt. Col. Charlie Dietz noted that the primary threat comes from Russian glide bombs fired from distances that exceed ATACMS’ range.
Despite the urgency of Ukraine’s requests, Pentagon officials maintain that simply supplying Ukraine with more long-range weapons may not be the decisive factor needed to shift the war’s momentum. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has stated that Ukraine has already demonstrated an ability to strike inside Russia with domestically produced systems, such as drones. He argued that no single weapon system is likely to be a “game-changer” in the conflict’s outcome.
The talks between Biden and Starmer are part of a broader strategic discussion, with both leaders expected to coordinate their policies ahead of the United Nations General Assembly later this month. In addition to Ukraine, the two leaders are likely to address rising tensions in the Middle East, particularly concerning the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict and Iran’s role in providing weapons to Russia.
The Biden administration recently revealed that Iran has delivered short-range ballistic missiles to Russia for use against Ukraine, raising further concerns about Russia’s ability to extend its arsenal while drawing on Iranian military support. In exchange, Russia has strengthened its partnership with Iran, offering nuclear and space technology in return for military aid. White House National Security spokesperson John Kirby described the deepening ties between Moscow and Tehran as a “significant threat” to European and Middle Eastern security, noting how Iran’s influence is expanding beyond its regional boundaries.
As the war in Ukraine drags on, the upcoming discussions between the U.S. and UK will play a critical role in determining the future course of military aid and the West’s strategic approach to countering Russian aggression.
