The British prime minister visited the White House to talk to US President Joe Biden about the next steps in Ukraine’s war against Russia. Starmer said that the next phase of fighting could be "crucial" amid multiple developments on the front lines, and as the US gears up for presidential elections.

But despite rumors before the meeting about possible changes to the US and UK position on Ukraine using their weapons to strike targets far inside Russia, the US indicated not to expect any major new policy announcments.

US puts new sanctions on Russia's RT
Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Friday announced new US sanctions against Russian international state broadcaster RT, and urged countries to treat it as they do other arms of Russian intelligence operations.

He said that RT had moved beyond being a media entity and vehicle for disinformation, and was "functioning like a de facto arm of Russia's intelligence apparatus." He cited alleged activities like covert fundraising to buy military equipment for soldiers fighting in Ukraine.

"Today, we're announcing that these Kremlin-backed media outlets are not only playing this covert influence role to undermine democracy in the United States, but also to meddle in the sovereign affairs of countries around the world," Blinken said.

Friday's new measures targeted RT's parent company, TV Novosti. The US last week accused RT of meddling in the 2024 election and issued sanctions against RT's Editor-in-Chief Margarita Simonyan, prompting Russia to pledge reciprocal steps.

The UK issued similar comments late on Friday, as Prime Minister Keir Starmer was in Washington with President Joe Biden.

Britain's foreign ministry said that the news channel was previously a "mouthpiece for Russian disinformation," but that it had "mutated into an altogether more harmful organization."

Starmer says next phase of war could be 'crucial'
Meanwhile, Keir Starmer, on his second trip to the US since taking office in July, said the next phase of the war could be "crucial." "I think the next few weeks and months could be crucial, very important and that we support Ukraine in this vital war of freedom," the United Kingdom leader said. He could have been alluding to multiple developments.

Russia is trying to gain ground in Donetsk in eastern Ukraine, particularly around the town of Pokrovsk. It is also launching a counteroffensive in its border region of Kursk, after Ukraine's surprise incursion into its territory last month.

Winter is fast approaching, at which point military activity will be much more difficult for both sides. And, in less than two months, US voters will be called to pick the next occupant of the White House.

Starmer also praised traditionally close US-UK ties. "Historically, we've shown the strength of our relationship. We are strategically aligned, and we have a common cause on these global issues," he said. In addition to discussing the ongoing war in Ukraine, the pair were also expected to touch on the need for a hostage and ceasefire deal in the Middle East, and discuss the Indo-Pacific region.

Biden dismissive of Putin's latest 'war' warning
US President Joe Biden played down Russian President Vladimir Putin's latest warning against escalation in Ukraine during his meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at the White House on Friday.

"I don't think much about Vladimir Putin," Biden said, when asked for his response on Putin saying that allowing Ukraine to use American and British long-range missiles to strike into Russia would mean that NATO was "at war" with Russia.

However, the White House also made it clear, despite rumors in the build-up to Starmer's visit, that no change in US position was likely during Friday's talks. Most NATO members have already said that Ukraine can use its weapons on targets close to its borders, but fewer have said it can strike deeper into Russia.

Biden said the US was "committed" to helping Ukraine "as it defends against Russia's onslaught of aggression."

"It's clear that Putin will not prevail in this war. The people of Ukraine will prevail." He also thanked Starmer and praised US-UK ties and cooperation on Ukraine and other topics. "I've often said there's no issue of global consequence where the United States and UK can't work together and haven't worked yet."