Tue Nov 19 07:36:42 UTC 2024: ## UK Remains Tight-Lipped on Ukraine’s Use of Long-Range Missiles After US Approval
**Brasília/London/New York –** Following the US’s decision to allow Ukraine to use Western-supplied long-range ATACMS missiles against Russia, the UK government has adopted a cautious stance, refusing to comment on operational details. While Britain has already provided Ukraine with Storm Shadow missiles, officials have declined to specify whether the same permissive use applies.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer, speaking at the G20 summit in Brazil, emphasized the need to support Ukraine but avoided specifics regarding missile deployment, stating that revealing operational details would only benefit Russian President Vladimir Putin. He reiterated the UK’s commitment to ensuring Ukraine receives necessary support for as long as the conflict lasts.
Similarly, Foreign Secretary David Lammy, speaking in New York, declined to comment on the use of British-supplied missiles, citing operational security concerns. Junior defence minister Maria Eagle stated the government intends to align with its allies on the use of weapons provided to Ukraine.
The US policy shift, according to a US official, is a response to Russia’s deployment of North Korean troops. This decision follows previous warnings from Putin that allowing Ukraine to use long-range weapons would constitute a declaration of war by NATO against Russia. Despite a question in Parliament regarding alignment with the US policy, the UK government continues to prioritize support for Ukraine without elaborating on specific operational strategies. The Foreign Secretary also dismissed questions about the potential impact of a Donald Trump presidency on the conflict, focusing solely on the current administration’s support for Ukraine.
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