For as long as it takes: Starmer to pledge unwavering support for Ukraine in Nato speech
Sir Keir Starmer will use his speech at the Nato summit to pledge the UK's commitment to "doing whatever it takes, for as long as it takes" in support of Ukraine.
The Prime Minister, attending his first meeting of world leaders since his election victory, has committed to maintaining £3bn a year of military support for Ukraine until 2030/31.
Sir Keir will tell Nato leaders that the values underscoring the alliance's founding are "under attack once again".
The summit has seen the PM hold meetings with world leaders including US President Joe Biden and President Volodymyr Zelensky, where he re-emphasised the UK's commitment to Ukraine.
The Nato summit is being held against the backdrop of the attack on a Kyiv hospital which is widely believed to have been deliberately targeted by Moscow.
The attack, which killed 36 people, is expected to be referenced by Sir Keir in his speech.
He will tell Nato leaders: "President Putin's depraved acts will only serve to steel the international community's resolve to support Ukraine."
The Prime Minister also confirmed that decisions on the use of UK-supplied long-range Storm Shadow missiles were for the Ukrainian armed forces to make, indicating they would be permitted to strike targets within Russia itself.
Following his meeting with Sir Keir, President Zelensky said on X: "This morning, I learned about the permission to use Storm Shadow missiles against military targets in Russian territory.
"Today we had the opportunity to discuss the practical implementation of this decision."
Thus far, weaponry supplied to Ukraine has largely been used in a defensive capacity within Ukraine's sovereign territory to reduce the risk of conflict escalation.
Storm Shadow missiles, which have a range of 350 miles and a top speed of 621mph, could give Ukraine the flexibility to hit Russian targets in the rear area, particularly the logistical infrastructure serving frontline troops.
Air Marshal (Retired) Greg Bagwell, former Deputy Commander of Operations, previously told Forces News there was more to the missiles than just "striking Russian soil".
"It is about striking Russia behind its frontlines within Ukrainian boundaries," he said.
"The challenge for Russia is that now, all of a sudden, their rear area, as it's known in military parlance, is now very vulnerable to attack."
When asked about the risk of Russian retaliation, Security Minister Dan Jarvis told Sky News: "Well, of course, we've got to guard against that - and of course, we've got to be incredibly careful."
Britain has also confirmed it will contribute £40m to Nato's comprehensive assistance package for Ukraine.
The UK-administered international fund for Kyiv will place a new order, worth £300m, for 120,000 rounds of 152mm ammunition.
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