Response to US missile decision

The Biden administration’s decision to permit Ukraine to deploy Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) against targets inside Russia is profoundly troubling. This action represents a significant escalation of the ongoing conflict and is a perilous, irresponsible choice by the outgoing U.S. President. It risks entangling NATO in a direct confrontation with Russia, thereby heightening the potential for catastrophic nuclear consequences. 

Recent reports suggest that Keir Starmer is considering authorising Ukraine to use British long-range Storm Shadow missiles. The British government must resist following the U.S. down this perilous trajectory. 

In September, following Starmer’s lobbying efforts to secure U.S. support for Ukraine’s use of Storm Shadow missiles, Vladimir Putin amended Russia's nuclear doctrine. These changes now include the potential use of nuclear weapons in response to conventional strikes by non-nuclear states that are backed by nuclear powers. 

The path to peace in the region lies not in military escalation but in diplomacy and dialogue. President Biden should reconsider this hazardous course of action and use his remaining time in office to pursue strategies that reduce tensions and foster negotiation, rather than exacerbate the risk of a broader, more devastating conflict.