Ukraine-Russia war: As Keir Starmer meets President Joe Biden at the White House on Friday, the primary focus of their discussion will be the ongoing war in Ukraine. Central to the talks is the potential lifting of restrictions on Ukraines use of long-range Storm Shadow missiles, which Kyiv has been lobbying for over several months.This meeting follows a week of diplomatic maneuvering between the US and UK, culminating in a joint visit to Kyiv by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy. The decision to loosen restrictions on these missiles, which can strike targets up to 155 miles away, has been a sensitive topic for Ukraines allies.What is Storm Shadow Storm Shadow missiles are capable of hitting deep within Russian territory, including critical military installations like bunkers and ammunition depots. While Ukraine currently possesses these missiles, their use is limited to Ukrainian territory. Kyiv argues that its ability to defend itself is hindered by this restriction, especially against Russian missile attacks launched from within Russia. Although Ukraine has employed drones and cruise missiles, their limited number and susceptibility to interception have lessened their impact.Ukraine Russia row The reluctance to allow Ukraine to use Storm Shadow missiles against Russian soil stems from fears of escalating the conflict. Russian President Vladimir Putin warned on Thursday that any Western approval of missile strikes on Russian targets would signify that NATO is at war with Moscow, intensifying concerns of broader international involvement in the war. With tensions rising and Ukraines persistent request for military aid, the outcome of Starmer and Bidens discussions could reshape the trajectory of the conflict in Eastern Europe.
