British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said that Vladimir Putin started the war in Ukraine and can end it at any time. Starmer expressed his support for Ukraine’s right to self-defense, stating that Russia illegally invaded Ukraine and that Russia could end the conflict immediately. This statement was made as Starmer traveled to Washington for talks with US President Joe Biden to discuss further support for Ukraine against Russian troops. The UK has provided training and capability to help Ukraine in pushing back the Russian invaders. This comes after it was reported that the US and UK have allowed Ukraine to use British-made Storm Shadow missiles to strike deeper targets inside Russia. However, Russian President Vladimir Putin warned that allowing Ukraine to use Western-provided missiles would mean direct NATO participation in the conflict, which would change the nature of the conflict and lead to appropriate responses from Russia.
On Thursday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with leaders of the Baltic States to discuss military cooperation and strengthening ties in light of the ongoing conflict with Russia. The Baltic State leaders expressed their support for Ukraine, with Latvian Prime Minister Evika Sillina mentioning the ongoing hybrid attacks from Belarus and discussing the need to learn from each other. Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda stressed the importance of pushing away red lines and allowing Ukraine to use Western-supplied weapons against Russian military targets on their soil to achieve victory. Estonia’s President Alar Karis also discussed military assistance and their commitment to allocate a portion of GDP annually to Ukraine’s defense needs.
Despite ongoing efforts by Ukraine and its western allies to support their defense against the Russian invasion, President Zelenskyy emphasized the need for the world to address uncomfortable truths. Zelenskyy highlighted the complexity of the conflict, pointing out that condemning Russian attacks while acknowledging the involvement of parts from various countries worldwide in these weapons. Zelenskyy’s remarks come as Ukraine continues to seek permission to use Western-supplied weapons to strike inside Russia and end the conflict. The challenges faced in addressing the conflict in a comprehensive manner require a deeper understanding and acceptance of the complexities involved in the situation.
The statements made by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and other world leaders reflect the ongoing support for Ukraine in its struggle against Russian aggression. The decision to allow Ukraine to use British-made missiles to target deeper locations inside Russia marks a significant shift in the conflict and has raised concerns about direct NATO involvement. President Vladimir Putin’s warnings about the consequences of such actions highlight the tensions surrounding the conflict and the need for careful consideration of further military support to Ukraine. The calls for pushing away red lines and allowing Ukraine to use Western weapons underscore the urgency of finding effective solutions to end the war and achieve victory for Ukraine.
As the conflict in Ukraine continues to escalate, the international community faces the challenge of navigating complex geopolitical dynamics while supporting Ukraine in its fight for sovereignty and security. The involvement of various world powers and the interconnected supply chains of weapons used in the conflict add layers of complexity to the situation. President Zelenskyy’s call for acknowledging the global implications of the conflict underscores the need for a comprehensive approach that addresses the root causes and complexities of the war. The ongoing discussions between world leaders highlight the critical importance of finding sustainable solutions that ensure Ukraine’s security and stability while avoiding further escalation and direct confrontations between major powers.
