Biden and Starmer Discuss Ukraine Missile Requests and Gaza Conflict at White House Meeting
On Friday, President Joe Biden hosted British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at the White House, where they engaged in critical discussions concerning geopolitical issues, particularly regarding Ukraine's requests for missile assistance and the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
One of the pressing topics during the meeting was whether the United States should allow Ukraine to utilize American long-range missiles, specifically ATACMS, to target deep within Russian territory. Despite Ukraine's persistent appeals for such capabilities, Friday's meeting did not yield concrete answers on the matter.
President Biden emphasized that the warnings issued by Russia concerning this potential military support did not influence his position or the discussions. "I don't think about Vladimir Putin very much," Biden remarked following the meeting, referencing the Russian President's assertions that permitting Ukraine access to these missiles would signify a direct conflict between the West and Russia.
Experts note that even if the U.S. were to agree to this request, the impact of the ATACMS missiles on the war's dynamics would likely be limited. U.S. officials have indicated that there are not enough missiles to significantly alter the course of the conflict, coupled with concerns about the cost and the risk of depleting American stockpiles in a critical global environment.
Following their discussions on Ukraine, Prime Minister Starmer highlighted that he and Biden engaged in a comprehensive dialogue about military strategies. There had been speculation that Starmer would advocate for Biden's endorsement of British long-range Storm Shadow missiles to bolster Ukraine's defense efforts. However, it was decided that this topic would be addressed at the upcoming United Nations General Assembly, which convenes later this month in New York.
Additionally, the meeting touched upon the ongoing conflict in Gaza, where Starmer informed Biden of the UK's recent decision to suspend arms deliveries to Israel amid allegations of violations of international law. In contrast, the U.S., which remains Israel's primary ally, has yet to enact similar measures.
As the global political landscape continues to evolve, the outcomes of Biden and Starmer's discussions will likely have significant implications for international relations and military strategies moving forward.
Related Sources: