White House Maintains Stance on Ukraine and Long-Range Missiles

The White House has reiterated that no new policy announcements regarding Ukraine and the use of long-range missiles are expected on Friday. National security spokesman John Kirby emphasized there has been no change in the U.S. stance. Discussions between President Biden and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer are unlikely to result in any major announcements.

The White House clarified on Thursday that it has no plans to introduce a new policy concerning Ukraine and the deployment of long-range missiles. According to National Security spokesman John Kirby, the position on providing Ukraine with these capabilities remains unchanged. 'There is no change to our view on the provision of long range strike capabilities for Ukraine to use inside of Russia,' Kirby informed reporters.

Kirby further mentioned that significant announcements are not anticipated from the upcoming discussion between U.S. President Joe Biden and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The two leaders are scheduled to meet on Friday afternoon at the White House.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has persistently urged Western allies to permit the use of advanced missiles like the U.S. ATACMS and British Storm Shadows against Russia. Kirby acknowledged Russian President Vladimir Putin's repeated warnings of considering Western nations directly involved if Ukraine employs such weaponry but noted that this is not a new position.

(With inputs from agencies.)