Biden considers allowing Ukraine’s missile strikes within Russia

President Joe Biden is considering allowing Ukraine to use foreign-made missiles to strike deep within Russia, as stated by the US last night.

British sources mentioned that the US could authorise the use of long-range cruise missiles soon, according to The Times.

This development occurred as David Lammy met with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in London, amidst calls for Kyiv to use Western weaponry.

When questioned about the West’s position on missile use, Mr Blinken responded, “We never rule out. But when we rule in, we want to make sure it’s done in such a way that it can advance what the Ukrainians are trying to achieve.”

Mr Lammy, along with his US counterpart, will visit Ukraine this week to assess the situation directly. This visit is deemed crucial to understand the needs on the ground.

The discussions at the Foreign Office followed a significant Ukrainian drone attack on Russian territory, one of the largest in the conflict so far.

Kremlin officials reported intercepting 144 Ukrainian drones aimed at Moscow and other major cities.

One woman reportedly died, and three others were injured as residential buildings caught fire, leading to the evacuation of 43 people.

During their trip, Mr Lammy and Mr Blinken will listen to President Volodymyr Zelensky’s request to use Western long-range weapons, such as Storm Shadow missiles, to target sites within Russia.

Mr Lammy avoided commenting on operational details, stating it would be inappropriate and could aid Vladimir Putin.

At a press conference with Mr Blinken, he said that one goal of the Kyiv trip is to understand how to support Ukraine’s needs.

Following the drone attack, flights to and from Moscow were halted. Despite no significant targets being hit, the assault demonstrated Ukraine’s capability to strike far into Russian territory.

Ukraine has been vocal about its aim to bring the war to Russian soil.

Iran was sanctioned by the UK and US after accusations of supplying ballistic missiles to Russia.

The UK Government cancelled its air services agreement with Iran, restricting Iran Air’s flights to the UK and Europe. Several individuals and organisations involved in Iran’s military support to Russia were also sanctioned.

Iran’s provision of ballistic missiles in direct support of Russia’s war against Ukraine is a threat to European and global security. Today, @StateDept and @USTreasury are imposing sanctions on individuals and entities supporting such activities.

— Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) September 11, 2024

At a joint press conference in London, Mr Lammy and Mr Blinken stated that Iran had ignored warnings about the severe implications of transferring such weapons.

Mr Lammy described Iran’s actions as a significant and dangerous escalation and reaffirmed that any ballistic missile transfer by Iran would provoke a substantial response.

Iran has denied providing Russia with weapons for its war in Ukraine, as it has with previous US intelligence claims.

Meanwhile, Israel’s Defence Secretary warned that Iran is close to obtaining nuclear weapons, following years of unchecked development.

Yoav Gallant spoke as Israel prepared for possible retaliation after the assassination of Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran.

He criticised Britain’s partial arms embargo as ineffective, following the execution of six Israeli hostages. Iran threatened a retaliatory strike unless a ceasefire deal is reached.

Tensions remain high as Hamas and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have yet to compromise. Mr Gallant warned Tehran that Israel could strike any strategic target in Iran.

He stressed the urgent threat of Iran’s potential nuclear capabilities, which could surpass the danger posed by their existing arsenal of missiles, rockets, and drones used against Israel in April.

“Iran is behind the chaos,” he said. “They are creating a war of attrition against Israel to buy time for nuclear development, and they are close.”