UK support to Ukraine always for self-defense, Starmer tells parliament

Amid reports that Ukraine fired British missiles into Russian territory, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer told the House of Commons on Thursday that UK support to Ukraine is solely for self-defense.

“We have consistently said we will do what it takes to support Ukraine and put it in the best possible position going into the winter. UK support for Ukraine is always for self-defense,” he said.

“It is proportionate, coordinated, and agile and a response to Russia's own actions, and it is in accordance with international law under Article 51 of the UN Charter. Ukraine has a clear right of self-defense against Russia's illegal attacks,” he added.

Starmer's comments came a day after Storm Shadow missiles were fired on Russia for the first time.

He said that he was proud of parliament that it had shown unified cross-party support for Ukraine for over 1,000 days of the conflict.

“So, I say again, Russia could roll back their forces and end this war tomorrow, but until then, we will stand up for what we know is right, for Ukraine's security and for our own security, and we will back Ukraine with what is needed for as long as it's needed.”

Starmer accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of wanting “destruction not peace,” defying threats from the Kremlin.

“We have consistently said we'll do what it takes to support Ukraine and put it in the best possible position going into the winter.”

Russia confirmed on Thursday that Ukraine targeted its territory with UK-manufactured Storm Shadow missiles, saying two were intercepted by air defenses over the past day.

"Two Storm Shadow cruise missiles, six HIMARS rockets, and 67 unmanned aerial vehicles were neutralized by air defense systems," Russia's Defense Ministry said in a statement, days after the news that Washington greenlighted Ukraine firing long-range US missiles into Russian territory, in a move some fear could escalate the war.