Biden mulls allowing Ukraine to strike Russia with UK, French missiles
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This move marks a potential shift in US involvement, as Western allies continue to debate how far to extend military support to Ukraine in its war with Russia.
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President Joe Biden speaks in the East Room of the White House in Washington, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024 (AP)
US President Joe Biden is reportedly weighing the possibility of allowing Ukraine to conduct long-range missile strikes on Russian territory using British Storm Shadow and French Scalp missiles, according to a report by The Times on Thursday, citing informed sources.
While Biden has not yet agreed to lift restrictions on deep strikes inside Russia using US-made long-range missiles, he appears willing to support his UK and French allies, who are in favor of the decision.
This move marks a potential shift in US involvement, as Western allies continue to debate how far to extend military support to Ukraine in its war with Russia.
The issue is expected to be a topic of discussion between President Biden and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer during their upcoming meeting on Friday. However, it remains uncertain whether any formal decisions or announcements regarding the missile strikes will be made after the meeting.
Read more: Ukraine strikes inside Russia using Western weapons, official says
The development follows remarks from Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, who earlier on Thursday expressed confidence that Western nations have already decided to allow Ukraine to use long-range missiles against Russia.
Lavrov's statement indicates growing concerns in Moscow about further escalation in the conflict, as the West continues to bolster Ukraine's military capabilities.
It also follows the 14th Meeting of BRICS High-Ranking Officials which is currently taking place in St. Petersburg.
During the meeting, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told Russian President Vladimir Putin that China is committed to deepening strategic cooperation with Russia and promoting a multipolar world.
Earlier in the day, former Kremlin advisor Sergey Karaganov urged Russia to revise its nuclear doctrine, advocating for a more aggressive stance that includes the possibility of a nuclear response to any major military aggression.
Read more: Russia could 'combine' with China if faced with threat
