UK Prime Minister Vows Continued Ukraine Support Amid Russian Nuclear Statements

Sir Keir Starmer has affirmed that Russia’s “irresponsible rhetoric” regarding nuclear weapons will not impact the United Kingdom’s backing for Ukraine. The Russian government reported that Ukraine has, for the first time, launched US-supplied longer-range missiles into Russian territory. This action followed the US granting permission for such attacks a day prior. Earlier on Tuesday, President Putin approved amendments to Russia’s nuclear doctrine. These changes specify new conditions under which the country would consider deploying its arsenal, classifying strikes from non-nuclear states, when supported by a nuclear state like the US, as a joint attack on Russia. Speaking at the G20 summit, Sir Keir stated that the UK would “ensure Ukraine has what is needed for as long as needed.” The UK has provided Ukraine with its Storm Shadow missiles, though ministers have not elaborated on details concerning their use. Additionally, £7.5 million in funding for new attack and surveillance drones has been announced. During a press conference marking the conclusion of the G20 summit of the world’s largest economies in Brazil, the Prime Minister declared: “There is irresponsible rhetoric coming from Russia and that’s not going to deter our support for Ukraine.” Sir Keir acknowledged “1,000 days of sacrifice” but asserted that the UK would continue to guarantee Ukraine possesses the necessary resources to wage the war “for as long as it needs.” He further stated: “On day 1,000 of Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine, I say again – end the war. Get out of Ukraine.” Sir Keir also commented: “In this moment when global challenges are affecting us at home, I take the view that British leadership matters.” Sir Keir noted President Putin’s absence from the G20 for the third consecutive year, adding that he was “the author of his own exile.” When questioned about the summit’s joint communique regarding support for Ukraine – which Downing Street had previously described as “disappointing” – the Prime Minister underscored the G20 group’s unified stance on Ukraine’s sovereignty. He remarked: “The communique is absolutely clear on the UN charter and sovereignty and territorial integrity, and obviously that’s negotiated by quite a sort of diverse group.”