In a notable development, President Joe Biden appears to be reconsidering the U.S. stance on whether Ukraine should be allowed to use long-range missiles against targets in Russia.

This comes in light of a stern warning from Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has threatened that such a move would be seen as an act of war.

Meeting Between Biden and Starmer

Biden is set to meet with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at the White House later today to discuss this contentious issue.

While American officials suggest that Biden might not give an immediate go-ahead for the deployment of U.S.-provided Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) into Russia, the topic will be a central part of their discussion.

The UK has already supplied Ukraine with its own long-range Storm Shadow missiles, though their use, alongside similar weapons from France, is currently restricted to within Ukraine’s borders.

Putin’s Warning and UK’s Response

Vladimir Putin has escalated the situation by warning NATO leaders that any lifting of restrictions on these missiles would be viewed as a declaration of war.

“This will mean that NATO countries – the United States and European countries – are at war with Russia,” Putin stated in Russia yesterday.

He added that such a move would compel Russia to make “appropriate decisions” in response to the new threats.

British Prime Minister Starmer, however, remained unfazed by Putin’s threats.

On his way to Washington DC, Starmer emphasized that Russia initiated the conflict in Ukraine and could end it if it chose to.

He reiterated the UK’s support for Ukraine’s right to self-defense, stressing that while they are committed to supporting Ukraine, they do not seek conflict with Russia.

Biden’s Position and Future Strategy

Historically, Biden has resisted calls from Ukrainian officials to ease restrictions on missile use.

However, with the ongoing war and increasing concerns about Iran potentially supplying ballistic missiles to Russia, a shift in strategy is under consideration.

“We’re working that out right now,” Biden said earlier this week regarding the possibility of allowing Western missiles to target military sites inside Russia.

What to Expect Next

According to The New York Times, the U.S. might approve the use of long-range missiles by Ukraine against Russian targets, provided these are not American-supplied missiles.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken noted that while concerns about escalation are a factor, they are not the only consideration.

The U.S. is open to adjusting its strategy based on the evolving needs and conditions on the ground in Ukraine.

There is no formal announcement expected immediately following the meeting between Biden and Starmer.

Discussions are likely to extend beyond Friday, with additional items on the agenda for their two-hour meeting.

Starmer’s visit to Washington also includes strategic talks on the Middle East, as the UK has recently diverged from the U.S. on some arms exports to Israel.

Both leaders are expected to attend the upcoming United Nations General Assembly in New York, where global leaders will gather later this month.

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