Biden Dismisses Putin’s Threats as U.S. Weighs Expanded Arms Support for Ukraine

Biden Dismisses Putin’s Threats as U.S. Weighs Expanded Arms Support for Ukraine

President Joe Biden shrugged off recent threats from Russian President Vladimir Putin concerning the use of long-range Western weapons in Ukraine, following a meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at the White House on Friday.

The meeting comes as Ukraine continues to push for greater military support to strike deeper into Russian territory.

Ukraine and its Western allies, including the U.S. and Britain, are considering lifting restrictions on long-range weapons, but no formal decision has been made. Kyiv has long requested these capabilities, arguing they are critical for its defense against Russian aggression.

Despite the caution from the U.S., which is wary of provoking a wider conflict, Biden has gradually approved requests for advanced weaponry, including tanks, F-16 fighter jets, and missile systems. Ukrainian supporters hope this trend will continue.

British Prime Minister Starmer, who is advocating for the use of British-made Storm Shadow missiles in expanded Ukrainian strikes, is reportedly seeking Biden’s approval.

Since the missiles contain U.S.-made components, American consent is needed for their broader use.

“We had a significant discussion on Ukraine, and talks will continue when we meet again at the U.N. General Assembly,” Starmer said after the meeting. He reiterated the unified stance of Western nations, asserting that Ukraine has the right to defend itself.

Meanwhile, Putin has warned that allowing long-range attacks on Russian soil would signal a direct involvement of NATO countries in the conflict. However, Biden remained unfazed, telling reporters, “I don’t think much about Vladimir Putin,” and reaffirming that the Russian leader would not succeed in his efforts to undermine Ukraine’s sovereignty.