Biden, Britain's Starmer set to meet as Ukraine pushes to ease weapons restrictions

President Joe Biden will meet with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer to discuss Ukraine's appeal for eased restrictions on Western weaponry. The Ukrainian government is pushing for permission to utilize long-range missiles against deeper Russian targets, a move that could escalate the ongoing conflict. While there are indications that the Biden administration may reconsider its policies, two U. S. officials suggest that no immediate changes will be announced at this time.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken acknowledged the likelihood of the issue being a focal point, emphasizing the U. S. 's readiness to adapt its stance as necessary. The context for this meeting includes a recent visit to Kyiv by Blinken and British Foreign Secretary David Lammy, where Ukrainian officials reiterated their requests for more advanced military capabilities. Biden's recent comments have hinted at possible policy shifts, but concrete decisions remain elusive.

The meeting occurs against a backdrop of heightened tensions as Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that Ukraine's use of long-range weapons could draw NATO into direct conflict with Moscow. The discussions between Biden and Starmer are crucial for understanding the future of military support for Ukraine.