US and UK Draw the Line at Striking Russian Mainland with Western Weapons

US and UK Leaders Do Not Mention Use of UK Cruise Missiles on Russian Mainland

US President Joe Biden and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer held a summit at the White House in Washington, US, on the 13th (local time).
[Photo by Reuters]

The United States and the United Kingdom have drawn a line on striking Russian mainland with British cruise missiles. This measure considers the risk of escalating into a war between NATO and Russia if missiles are used. Additionally, there is analysis suggesting that missile use is not a tactically necessary action.

According to major foreign media, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer avoided a direct answer when asked by reporters on the afternoon of the 13th (local time), after meeting with US President Joe Biden, whether there was a decision regarding the use of the British cruise missile Storm Shadow (French name Scalp) on Russian mainland. Prime Minister Starmer said, "We had long and productive discussions on multiple fronts including Ukraine, the Middle East, and the Indo-Pacific," adding, "(The meeting) was not about any specific capability."

The White House also drew a line. John Kirby, National Security Council (NSC) Coordinator for Strategic Communications, stated in a briefing before the meeting that "there is no change in policy" regarding striking Russian mainland with Western weapons. Earlier, The New York Times (NYT) reported that the UK had signaled to the US its desire to allow Ukraine to strike Russian mainland with Storm Shadow. Storm Shadow relies on some technology, such as navigation data, from the US.

However, other media pointed out that a decision not to use the missile is due to the risk of escalating into a war between NATO and Russia. On the 12th, one day before the US-UK summit, Russian President Vladimir Putin warned that lifting restrictions on missile use by the West would mean war between NATO and Russia.

There is also analysis that missile use is not a tactically necessary measure. US officials are skeptical whether striking Russian mainland with Storm Shadow would bring significant changes to the situation in Ukraine. They noted that Ukraine already possesses drone capabilities capable of striking inside Russia, and that Russia has moved equipment posing immediate threats to Ukraine, such as fighter jets equipped with glide bombs, beyond the range of US missiles like ATACMS. Rather, the US side believes Ukraine should focus on ground battles to stop Russian advances in the east.

Although there was no announcement on missile use at this meeting, the possibility remains that President Biden may eventually agree with the UK and France on Ukraine’s use of Storm Shadow. Prime Minister Starmer said before the summit, "Within days, we will be addressing missile use with more parties at the United Nations General Assembly." British diplomats said a final decision on missile use could be made when the UN General Assembly convenes this month. The UN General Assembly, held at the US UN headquarters on the 24th, is expected to be attended not only by Prime Minister Starmer and President Biden but also by Western allied leaders and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.