Russia can stop the war ‘straight away,’ stated UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, commenting on Putin’s threats. Earlier, the Russian president said that the use of Western long-range weapons on Russian territory would constitute direct NATO involvement in the war.
“This would in a significant way change the very nature of the conflict. It would mean that NATO countries, the US, European countries, are at war with Russia. And if that is the case, then… appropriate decisions based on the threats that we will face,” Putin said.
“Russia started this conflict. Russia illegally invaded Ukraine. Russia could end this conflict straight away. Ukraine has the right to self-defence and we’ve obviously been absolutely fully supportive of Ukraine’s right to self-defence – we’re providing training capability,” Starmer replied, according to Sky News.
The UK does not seek any conflict with Russia, the prime minister emphasized. “That’s not our intention in the slightest,” he added.
PM Keir Starmer will meet with US President Joe Biden on September 13. According to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, the officials will discuss, among other things, allowing the Armed Forces of Ukraine to strike deep into Russia.
Earlier, The Guardian, citing sources within the UK government, reported that British officials have already decided to allow Ukraine to use Storm Shadow cruise missiles against targets on Russian territory.
Cover: Shutterstock
