UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer will urge Ukraine’s allies to step up the supply of long-range missiles to Kyiv during a high-level meeting in London.
Keir will host Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday, October 24, with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, and the Netherlands’ Prime Minister Mark Rutte expected to attend the meeting in person.
French President Emmanuel Macron and other leaders will join virtually.
“On Friday, the Prime Minister will call on allies to step up the gifting of long-range capabilities to ensure Ukraine can build on its success of this week,” read part of the statement.
Zelensky, who arrives from Brussels after meeting EU leaders, has been appealing for more long-range weapons.
However, Russia has warned that such deliveries would escalate the conflict.
Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on October 21 claimed that Western nations are trying to “eradicate all things Russian” in Ukraine, including the country’s language, history, and culture — actions it says are being carried out by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s government.
“The Western agenda seeks to eradicate all things Russian in Ukraine — including our language, history, and culture. This is exactly what the Zelensky regime is pursuing today,” he said.
“It is one of the main reasons, along with efforts to draw Ukraine into NATO, that led President Putin to decide on launching the special military operation.”
Also Read: Russia Calls Out NATO And Western Influence for Tensions in Ukraine
Starmer to Rally Western Allies Behind Increased Missile Support for Ukraine
Keir is expected to capitalize on this momentum to increase diplomatic pressure on Moscow to engage in peace talks.
The British premier will call on allies to expand support for Ukraine’s long-range strike capabilities, following a recent successful attack on a chemical plant in Bryansk, Russia, carried out using British-supplied Storm Shadow missiles.
“The only person involved in this conflict who does not want to stop the war is President Putin,” Keir said.
“His depraved strikes on young children in a nursery this week make that crystal clear.”
Missile Production
During the London summit, Starmer is expected to unveil plans to fast-track Britain’s missile production program to supply Ukraine with over 5,000 air defense weapons in the next few months.
The UK will also deliver approximately 140 lightweight multirole missiles to Ukraine this winter, showing Britain’s commitment to bolstering Kyiv’s defensive capabilities through 2026.
The Ukrainian leader’s visit comes after two diplomatic victories — U.S. President Donald Trump’s move to impose new sanctions on Russia, and the European Union’s decision to bridge a significant funding gap in Ukraine’s national budget.
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