During a meeting at 10 Downing Street prior to the NATO summit in Vilnius, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak reaffirmed the United Kingdom's stance against providing cluster munitions to Ukraine, despite the recent decision by the United States to do so. Sunak's spokesperson confirmed that the Prime Minister conveyed this position directly to President Biden, highlighting the UK's commitment to the 2010 Convention on Cluster Munitions, which prohibits the use, production, transfer, and stockpiling of these weapons due to humanitarian concerns.
Despite this difference of opinion, both leaders presented a united front publicly, emphasizing the strength of the U.S.-U.K. relationship. Biden described the alliance as "rock solid," while Sunak stressed their shared commitment to Euro-Atlantic security. They enjoyed tea in the Downing Street garden, marking their sixth meeting since Sunak assumed office.
While acknowledging the difficult position the U.S. faces due to Russia's aggression, Sunak’s spokesperson reiterated the UK's obligation under the cluster munitions convention. The spokesperson emphasized that the UK is upholding its commitment by neither producing nor encouraging the use of these weapons.
Furthermore, the spokesperson confirmed the UK's unwavering support for Ukraine's eventual NATO membership, contrasting with President Biden's recent suggestion that membership should be postponed until after the conflict with Russia concludes. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy expressed his concern over the lack of a concrete timeline for Ukraine's NATO accession, viewing the ongoing debate as a sign of weakness and a potential incentive for Russia to prolong its aggression.
