Defence Secretary Denies Missile Reports
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer emphasized the importance of doubling down on UK support for Ukraine during his address to the House of Commons.
The secretary of state for defence declined to confirm whether the UK had authorized Ukraine to use British Storm Shadow missiles against Russia.
When asked by Defence Select Committee Chairman Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi about reports that restrictions on these missiles had been lifted, Defence Secretary John Healey refrained from commenting on operational details, citing security concerns and the potential benefits to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Healey asserted, “The UK government is intensifying its support for Ukraine and is committed to continuing this support.”
Dhesi, after receiving Healey’s response, opted not to pursue the matter further and transitioned to discussing the UK’s defense spending commitment.
‘Double Down’ Support
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had been lobbying for the US and UK to lift restrictions on using Storm Shadow missiles against Russian targets, a request that NATO leaders had been hesitant to approve due to concerns about escalating tensions.
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In response to recent media reports about Ukraine launching Storm Shadow missiles into Russia, government officials have refrained from confirming any changes in the UK’s stance.
Simultaneously with the defense secretary’s appearance before the select committee, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer reiterated the UK’s unwavering support for Ukraine as the conflict reached the 1,000-day mark.
Starmer, like Healey, did not address the missile reports directly but emphasized the UK’s commitment to Ukraine’s security.
He stated, “We must intensify our support without being swayed by threats. Our promise to support Ukraine remains steadfast, ensuring they are well-prepared for the winter.”
Starmer underscored that the UK’s assistance to Ukraine is a matter of self-defense, highlighting Ukraine’s right to defend itself against Russia under Article 51 of the U.N. Charter.
He continued, “Russia could end this conflict immediately by withdrawing its forces. Until then, we will continue to stand up for what is right, ensuring Ukraine’s security and our own, and providing assistance for as long as needed.”
G20 Response
Leader of the opposition Kemi Badenoch praised the previous government’s support for Ukraine in the Commons and pledged to collaborate with the current government to maintain unwavering support for Ukraine.
She criticized Starmer for allegedly failing to rally other G20 leaders to enhance their assistance to Ukraine.
Badenoch remarked, “During the G20 summit, the prime minister was unsuccessful in getting leaders to double down on support for Ukraine, as Chancellor Olaf Scholz stated, ‘The G20’s failure to clearly hold Russia responsible is insufficient.’
Screen grab of Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer giving a statement to MPs on the latest situation in Ukraine in the House of Commons, London, on Nov. 21, 2024. House of Commons/UK Parliament/PA Wire
Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, now an Independent MP, acknowledged the inappropriateness of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine but inquired about the strategy the prime minister and G20 nations proposed to end the war.
Starmer emphasized that Russia’s actions violated the U.N. Charter and reaffirmed the necessity of preventing Putin from triumphing in this conflict.
US-Made ATACMS
Furthermore, there have been reports that Ukraine deployed U.S.-made Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) into Russia’s Kursk region earlier this week. Anonymous US officials claimed that President Joe Biden authorized the use of ATACMS.
President-elect Donald Trump is expected to return to the White House in two months and has expressed a desire to deescalate or end the war.
