PM dismisses threat of war with Russia saying Ukraine has the right to defend itself
Vladimir Putin's suggestion that Russia would be at war with Nato if the West allows long-range weapons to be used against it has been dismissed by Sir Keir Starmer, who backed Ukraine's right to defend itself.
However, the Prime Minister insisted the UK was not trying to look for a confrontation with Russia, adding: "That's not our intention in the slightest."
Russian president Mr Putin said allowing long-range strikes "would mean that Nato countries, the United States and European countries are at war with Russia".
"If this is so, then, bearing in mind the change in the very essence of this conflict, we will make appropriate decisions based on the threats that will be created for us," he added.
However, Sir Keir said: "Russia started this conflict. Russia illegally invaded Ukraine. Russia could end this conflict straight away.
"Ukraine has the right to self-defence and we've obviously been absolutely fully supportive of Ukraine's right to self-defence. We're providing training capability, as you know."
Ukraine has asked for restrictions to be lifted on using Western weaponry against Russian targets.
This is one of the issues that Sir Keir is likely to be discuss during his meeting with US president Joe Biden at the White House.
The UK and France have supplied Ukraine with hundreds of Storm Shadow and SCALP long-range cruise missiles but, to date, Kyiv has only been allowed to use them inside occupied territory.
That restriction was largely imposed by the American government.
The missiles are used in tandem with some US military systems, meaning Washington has the casting vote on how and where they are used.
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