UK Prime Minister Starmer Pushes for Support on Long-Range Missiles for Ukraine in Italy Talks

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer met with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on September 16 to discuss gaining support for his proposal to allow Ukraine to use long-range missiles for deep strikes within Russia.

This was reported by Bloomberg, citing sources close to the discussions.

Starmer is also planning similar talks in France and Germany in the coming days.

Reports indicate that the UK has decided to permit Ukraine to use Storm Shadows for deep strikes inside Russia but is seeking support from the US and other allies.

Starmer suggested that the plan will be further discussed with a broader group of stakeholders at the UN General Assembly in New York later this month.

During the meeting in Italy, both leaders addressed the issue of long-range missile strikes at a joint press conference.

Meloni expressed support for the decision of allies to authorize Ukraine's use of these missiles and emphasized Italy's commitment to ensuring that Ukraine enters peace negotiations with Russia under the best possible conditions.

Starmer broadly reiterated Ukraine's right to self-defense and affirmed ongoing support for its "fight for sovereignty."

This comes as Ukraine advocates to receive authorization to use two types of Western-supplied long-range missiles it already has to target key military installations, such as airfields, deep within Russian territory.