UK Rebuffs Putin's Threats, Discusses Stance on Ukraine's Strikes Inside Russia

Strategic Insights -

Britain will not be intimidated by Russian President Vladimir Putin's warnings of war if Ukraine is allowed to strike inside Russia using Western-supplied missiles, Foreign Secretary David Lammy stated. Talks with US allies are ongoing to decide whether Kyiv can use UK-supplied Storm Shadow missiles to target Russian air bases and military sites involved in attacks on Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has repeatedly asked Western leaders to permit the use of these weapons to hit Russian targets. Putin warned that such permission would mean NATO, the US, and European countries are at war with Russia. However, Lammy believes Putin's statements are largely "bluster" and believes the UK should support Ukraine in its endeavors.

Key Takeaways:

  • The UK will not be swayed by Putin's threats, with Foreign Secretary David Lammy stating that Putin's claims are largely "bluster".
  • Talks with US allies are ongoing to decide whether Ukraine can use Storm Shadow missiles to strike Russian air bases and military sites involved in attacks on Ukraine.
  • Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has repeatedly asked Western leaders for permission to use the missiles to hit Russian targets.
  • Putin warned that allowing Ukrainian strikes inside Russia would mean NATO, the US, and European countries are at war with Russia.
  • Senior Tories, including former Prime Minister Boris Johnson, have pushed for the UK to allow Ukraine to use Storm Shadow missiles without US agreement.
  • The UK has been discussing this issue with Sir Keir Starmer, US President Joe Biden, and Zelensky at the United Nations in New York this month.

Statistics:

  • 30 missiles of various types were launched by Russia against Ukraine this week.
  • Over 800 guided aerial bombs and nearly 300 strike drones were launched by Russia against Ukraine.
  • Russian troops have made gradual advances near Vuhledar and to the southeast of Pokrovsk in eastern Ukraine.
  • Ukrainian forces have retaken several villages in the Kursk region of Russia.
  • Putin's troops have been conducting a high tempo of offensive operations in multiple areas of the frontline in the conflict.

Sources:

  • Sky News, Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips programme
  • BBC, Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg programme
  • The Sunday Times
  • Ministry of Defence intelligence update
  • City A.M. article "As Ukraine brings war to Russia, Britain too must be bolder with sanctions"