Zelensky wants to use British missiles to strike Russia in battle agai | Politics | News

Keir Starmer is resisting pressure to allow British long-range missiles to be used inside Russian territory.

It comes as the Prime Minister held talks with Volodymyr Zelensky in Downing Street over the ongoing war in Ukraine.

The Ukrainian President – who is on a whirlwind tour of Western capitals – is pushing for more support for the resistance to Vladimir Putin.

Mr Zelensky wants the PM’s permission to use Storm Shadow missiles to strike key targets inside Russia.

The UK and US have so far stopped short of explicitly giving Kyiv permission to fire Western-supplied missiles inside Putin’s country over concerns about further escalating the conflict.

But Mr Zelensky has likened his position to having to fight with his hands tied.

Downing Street maintained Britain’s position “has not changed”, insisting that that we are providing the war-stricken nation with support for “self defence”.

Both leaders warmly embraced outside No 10 before this morning’s meeting.

The talks come as the conflict with Russia heads into its third winter and amid the prospect of Donald Trump, who is widely considered to be less supportive of Ukraine, winning the US presidential election in November.

New Nato secretary-general Mark Rutte joined the premiers for discussions, with Sir Keir underlining the UK’s commitment to Kyiv.

It was Mr Zelensky’s second trip to No10 since Sir Keir came to power, after he addressed a special meeting of the Cabinet in July.

The two leaders met most recently at the United Nations in New York a fortnight ago.

Welcoming Mr Zelensky in No 10’s Pillared Room, Sir Keir said it was “very important we’re able to show our continued commitment to support Ukraine” and it was a chance to “go through the plan, to talk in more detail”.

The Ukrainian president said: “Thanks to the UK people, the people of your great country, for your [strength in us] from the very beginning of the war.”

The pair then held private talks in the Small Dining Room before conversations involving their wider teams.

Defence Secretary John Healey, Chief of the Defence Staff Admiral Sir Tony Radakin and National Security Adviser Sir Tim Barrow were among the senior figures involved in the meeting with the Ukrainians.

Mr Rutte said the talks were about Ukraine and “also about the defence of the West and how we stay safe”.

President Zelensky wants permission to use the long-range missiles to strike the airbases used to launch attacks on his country, as well as other key Russian targets.

Downing Street said the UK’s position on using Storm Shadow had not changed.

“I think the Prime Minister has been clear that we are providing military aid to support Ukraine for self defence against Russia‘s illegal attacks, in accordance with international humanitarian law,” the Prime Minister’s Official spokesman said.

“We will continue to have important discussions with Ukraine and indeed allies, about how to continue to help Ukraine, heading into crucial winter months.”