PM faces pressure to follow US on Ukraine ‘escalation'

Joe Biden’s decision to let Ukraine strike targets inside Russia with US-made long-range missiles is an escalation” of the conflict, Moscow said yesterday, as it warned use of the weapons would trigger a tangible” response.

- ALASTAIR JAMIESON

The Kremlin reacted with fury after the US president eased limits on what targets Kyiv can strike using the American-made Army Tactical Missile System, or ATACMS.

“It is obvious that the outgoing administration in Washington intends to … continue pouring oil on the fire and provoking further escalation of tensions around this conflict,” Vladimir Putin’s spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said.

Mr Biden’s move – previously ruled out over fears of bringing about a direct confrontation between Russia and Nato – put fresh pressure on Britain to follow suit with UK-supplied Storm Shadow missiles.

Sir Keir Starmer sidestepped questions on the issue last night but did not rule out a change, saying: “We need to double down ... to make sure Ukraine has what is necessary for as long as necessary because we cannot allow Putin to win this war.”

Defence minister Maria Eagle also hinted at a shift over weapons, telling MPs: “We intend to align with our allies in making sure that Ukraine can make use of the capabilities that’s been offered by those who have committed support to that country in its fight.”