Keir Starmer faces foreign policy challenge as U.K. and U.S. back Ukraine

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer ousted the Conservative government in July, vowing to usher in a new phase for British politics and reset its relationships with the European Union. However, one issue remains unchanged: the ongoing conflictual relationship with Russia. In fact, recent developments have exacerbated tensions between London and Moscow. The situation worsened this week as signs emerged that the United States, encouraged by Britain, was moving towards permitting Ukraine to utilise Western-supplied missiles to target military positions deep within Russian territory. As Mr. Starmer arrived in Washington on Friday for discussions with President Biden, he and President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia exchanged strong criticism, while Russia announced the expulsion of six British diplomats. This missile development presents a significant foreign policy challenge for Mr. Starmer that carries security implications for the entirety of Europe. Britain has taken the lead in a larger European campaign to garner support for Ukraine, particularly at a time of significant political instability in the United States, which could potentially restrict American involvement in countering an advancing Russia.