British politicians pressuring Starmer over Storm Shadow strike bans on Russia.

Five former defense ministers and one ex-prime minister of the UK urge allowing Ukraine to use Storm Shadow missiles for strikes on Russia. They appealed to Prime Minister Keir Starmer to act independently and not wait for support from the US. In Washington, discussions on this topic have reached a deadlock.

Further delay will embolden President Putin.

Ex-Defense Minister Wallace emphasized that refusing to act immediately would make Britain the “appeaser” of the Kremlin, while ex-Prime Minister Johnson added that “there are no possible grounds for delay.”

On September 15, 2024, Starmer arrived in Washington for talks with President Biden at the request of President Zelensky regarding the use of British-made missiles. But no agreement was reached. The Biden administration wants to take a “wait-and-see position” until Zelensky presents a “plan for victory.”

Pressure from Russia on the UK and the US increased after news that Russia received new ballistic missiles from Iran. Security experts believe that Russia exchanged nuclear secrets with Iran for the missiles.

The UK government asserts that using the missiles fully against Ukraine requires US and French approval. However, Britain can grant approval independently, but in that case, Russian air defense systems might intercept the missiles.

There are discrepancies between US Secretary of State Blinken and National Security Advisor Sullivan regarding the approval. President Biden is also not ready to announce the lifting of restrictions but is considering the possibility of using American reconnaissance and targeting systems.

During the talks, Biden and Starmer discussed the exchange between Russia and Iran. According to the publication, Russia shared nuclear secrets with Iran in exchange for ballistic missiles. This has implications for Israel, which recently came under attack from Iran.

Putin has escalated provocations against Britain, increasing pressure on the country. British officials believe Putin’s threats are empty, and yielding to them would lead to a conditional truce. Storm Shadow missiles have already been used against Russian targets in Crimea.

Starmer’s officials aim to make progress before a possible Trump victory in the US elections. In the debates, one of the candidates did not say that they wanted Ukraine to win, despite previously promising to establish peace.