Keir Starmer has asserted that Vladimir Putin initiated the war in Ukraine and has the power to end it whenever he chooses. This statement comes in response to Putin's warning that the use of long-range British missiles within Russian territory would escalate the conflict to a war between Russia and NATO. The UK Prime Minister made these remarks while traveling to Washington for discussions with US President Joe Biden. Starmer aimed to clarify a recent decision made by Western leaders, which permits Ukraine to utilize Storm Shadow missiles—partly manufactured in Britain—to strike targets inside Russia.