Sir Keir Starmer has stated that Russia “began” the conflict in Ukraine, and should therefore be the party responsible for ending it. This comment comes in response to Vladimir Putin’s claim that Moscow would consider the firing of Western missiles aimed at Russia to be a serious escalation of the war, with the consequential participation of Nato countries in the conflict. The British Prime Minister travelled to Washington for talks with US President Joe Biden, whose allies in Kyiv are currently considering granting Ukraine permission to fire their missiles at targets in Russia.
Putin argued that permitting the use of western missiles would constitute “direct participation of Nato countries– the US and European countries– in the war in Ukraine”. He added, “It is their direct participation. And, of course, this substantially changes the very essence, the nature of the conflict,” and that Russia would take “corresponding decisions based on the threats that will be created to us” if NATO countries participated directly in the military conflict.
The British Prime Minister reiterated his position that Russia “began the conflict” and “illegally invaded Ukraine”, and bears responsibility for ending it. Downing Street officials have stated that Prime Minister Boris Johnson– along with Foreign Secretary David Lammy– will embark on an extensive diplomatic mission amid the discussions over how Ukraine’s allies should react to Iran’s increasing support for Russia.
Furthermore, with winter approaching and Russia receiving additional support from Iran, the prospect of allowing Ukraine to fire Western missiles is arguably gaining momentum. There has traditionally been hesitation in allowing this option, fearing that it could be deemed provocative and draw other countries directly into the conflict. However, this situation may change based on current economic and political circumstances.
Finally, Putin stated that “only servicemen of NATO countries can input flight missions into these missile systems,” an assertion that raises concerns about a potential escalation that could lead to a direct involvement by NATO countries in the military conflict
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