UK Foreign Secretary Highlights Need for Unified Strategy Amidst Debate on Long-Range Missiles for Ukraine

The UK Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, has emphasized that no single weapon can determine the outcome of a war. He stressed the importance of a unified strategy among countries supporting Ukraine, particularly as discussions continue about whether to allow Ukraine to use long-range missiles against targets in Russia.

Currently, Ukraine is permitted to use these missiles only against targets within its own borders, despite receiving them from the UK, the US, and France.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has been advocating for months for the removal of these restrictions, arguing that lifting them would enhance Ukraine’s ability to target Russian positions more effectively.

Although there are indications that the US and UK might reconsider their stance, no formal decision has been confirmed following recent high-level talks between UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and US President Joe Biden.

David Lammy noted that the delay in allowing long-range missile strikes on Russian targets should not be seen as a sign of weakness but rather as part of a broader, carefully considered strategy. He suggested that this issue would likely be addressed in discussions with President Zelensky at the upcoming United Nations General Assembly in New York, which is less than two weeks away.

Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey has called for Ukraine to be allowed to use these missiles against Russian military bases, even if the UK must act independently of its allies. In response, Lammy highlighted the importance of a coordinated approach among allies, stressing that a shared strategy is crucial for a successful outcome.

General Sir John McColl, a former NATO deputy commander, expressed the belief that Ukraine would eventually be granted permission to use the missiles against Russian targets.

However, he cautioned that the impact of these missiles might be limited, and the allies needed to avoid appearing indecisive, which could embolden President Vladimir Putin. Meanwhile, former UK Defence Secretary Ben Wallace and others have urged the government to lift the restrictions, arguing that current delays are only benefiting Russia.