Washington is ready to host a meeting which could change the course of the conflict in Ukraine. Today, the British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and the US President Joe Biden will meet to discuss a highly sensitive issue: the possible Authorization for Ukraine to use long-range missiles. This decision has the potential to further ignite international tensions, as demonstrated by the response Russian (obvious): Vladimir Putin warned that such an action “would mean that NATO countries, the United States and European countries, are at war with Russia.” This raises questions about the severity and possible consequences of such an escalation. Let's see what this choice means and what are the associated risks.
Storm Shadow Missiles: What They Are and Why Kiev Wants to Use Them
I Storm Shadow Missiles, with a range of over 300 kilometers, represent apowerful weapon designed to penetrate fortified structures and damage strategic targets. Developed by an Anglo-French consortium with the support of Italy and the United States, they are currently usable only within Ukrainian territory. All four countries would have to approve any changes to the conditions related to their use, even if they are not direct suppliers.
However, Kiev put pressure on to extend its use also within Russian territory, to improve its defensive and offensive capabilities, especially in response to Russian missile attacks and bombs.
Why are the US and UK ready to go now?
The United States and its allies have sought to maintain a delicate balance during the war: supplying weapons to Ukraine without directly escalating the conflict. After months of pressure from Kiev, the allies, particularly the United States and the United Kingdom, they seem ready now to consider a loosening of restrictions. There has been considerable diplomatic activity between Washington and London this week, with discussions about how to handle Ukrainian demands and the potential international repercussions.
several factors contributed to this shift: the growing pressure Ukraine is facing on the front, concerns about a particularly difficult winter, and Ukraine's surprise incursion across the border, which demonstrated how effective it is when the dynamics of the conflict change. In addition, the Russia received a New batch of lethal ballistic missiles from Iran, increasing the tension.
If approved, the decision to allow Ukraine to use Storm Shadow missiles could represent a turning point in the conflictor, enabling long-range strikes on Russian strategic targets. However, this move could also widen the conflict, complicate the prospects for peace, and further deteriorate relations between the West and Russia.
Biden-Starmer: What to Expect from the Meeting
The long-awaited meeting between US President Joe Biden and British Labour leader Keir Starmer at the White House could provide crucial clues about how Western allies plan to proceed. starmer, visiting Washington, made it clear that his position is clear: Putin started the conflict and could end it whenever he wants. The British PM reiterated Ukraine's right to self-defense, thus responding to Putin's threats
Biden, on the other hand, moves with caution. While he recognizes the urgency of supporting Ukraine, the American president fears the potential consequences of an escalation. At stake is the possible revocation of the limits on Atacms missiles, which had so far been restrictive. The meeting, which will also be attended by British Foreign Secretary David Lammy and other senior officials, will not only address the missile issue, but will also touch on global issues such as the conflict in Gaza and the challenges of the Indo-Pacific. Although a press conference is not planned After the match, every move will be carefully watched, with the possibility that a change will be felt directly on the pitch.
Russia Adds Rai Journalists to Wanted List: Here's Why
Meanwhile, Russia has entered Stefania Battistini, a Rai journalist, and the cameraman Simone Traini of wanted list, accusing them of being entered the country illegally with Ukrainian troops in the Kursk region. The decision, announced by the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs and reported by the Tass agency, has provoked reactions in Italy. Rai has denounced this action as a violation of freedom of the press. In response, the Italian Foreign Minister, Antonio Tajani, Has summoned theRussian ambassador in Italy to express their amazement and ask for clarification.
In addition to Battistini, the wanted list also includes other international journalists, such as Nick Walsh of CNN and Nicholas Simon Connolly of Deutsche Welle. The charges against Battistini and Traini concern unauthorized crossing of the border and reporting on the Ukrainian incursion in Kursk, considered by Moscow to be a "terrorist attack". Battistini recalled the rules of the Geneva Convention that protect journalists in war zones. After the Russian protest, RAI recalled the journalist and the cameraman for reasons of security, while Moscow continues to investigate what it considers a “crime” committed by Italian reporters.
