Russia Can End War Now, UK PM Says, Putin Warns of Western Escalation

In the wake of heightened tensions, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has declared that Russia has the power to end the ongoing conflict in Ukraine immediately. This statement came as Russian President Vladimir Putin warned that Western missiles targeting Russia would be seen as a severe escalation of the war.

Currently in Washington for discussions with US President Joe Biden, Starmer’s visit coincides with debates among Ukraine’s allies about potentially granting Kyiv permission to strike targets within Russia with Western missiles.

Putin, in an interview with Russian state television, argued that such actions would signify direct involvement by NATO countries, particularly the US and European nations, fundamentally altering the nature of the conflict. He suggested that Russia would respond with decisions based on the new threats posed.

In response, Starmer reiterated that Russia is the party responsible for initiating the war. “Russia started this conflict. They invaded Ukraine unlawfully and can end it immediately,” Starmer asserted. He emphasized that the onus to resolve the conflict lies squarely with Russia.

Accompanying Starmer on his diplomatic tour is Foreign Secretary David Lammy, who is actively engaging in international diplomacy amid increasing Iranian support for Russia. Lammy, while visiting Kyiv with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, noted that Iran’s support complicates the situation.

Following his Washington visit, Starmer is scheduled to meet Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Rome, as Italy currently holds the G7 presidency. The G7 will soon convene in New York for the annual UN General Assembly.

The debate over allowing Ukraine to use Western missiles against Russian targets has been contentious, partly due to concerns that such actions might provoke further escalation and involve NATO directly in the conflict. However, as winter approaches and with growing Iranian involvement, discussions on this issue are intensifying.

Putin has claimed that high-precision, long-range Western weapons would only be effective with Western intelligence and operational support, which he argues Ukraine lacks. He stated that NATO countries would essentially be required to engage directly if these weapons were used.

This visit marks Starmer’s second trip to Washington in just over two months, following his attendance at the NATO Summit in July. He will not be meeting with Vice President Kamala Harris during this trip, as she is expected to be in other parts of the US.

Starmer acknowledged the political logistics of Harris’s absence, stating, “No, because she will be in other parts of the US, focusing on swing states. That’s fine.”