Biden, Starmer meeting fails to end Ukraine long-range weapons use ban

Sept. 14 (UPI) -- President Joe Biden and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer reached common ground at a White House meeting, but the two leaders did not reach a decision on allowing Ukraine to launch long-range weapons into Russian territory.

"We're going to discuss that now," Biden told reporters at the White House on Friday as the two men headed into the meeting.

"The next few weeks and months could be crucial - very, very important that we support Ukraine in this vital war of freedom," Starmer said at the same time.

Biden earlier in the week suggested the United States may end its current ban on Ukraine using long-range weapons against Russia.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has since told Western nations allowing Ukraine to fire long-range missiles at Russia would equate to war with NATO.

"The leaders had an in-depth discussion on a range of foreign policy issues of mutual interest. They reaffirmed their unwavering support for Ukraine as it continues to defend against Russia's aggression," was the only clarity the White House offered on the situation, in a statement.

The two leaders also remained aligned in their "deep concern" about North Korea 's continued missile tests and China and Iran providing weapons to Russia.

Earlier this week, North Korea launched multiple ballistic missiles into the East Sea after leader Kim Jong Un called for a nuclear weapons buildup.

BIden and Starmer also jointly criticized Iran-backed Houthi attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea, the White House said in its statement.