Ukraine is urging the West to allow it to use Western long-range weapons to strike Russia, weapons officials say are “critical” to Kiev’s success in its war against Vladimir Putin.

Ukraine’s ambassador yesterday made a new call for Western long-range weapons to strike Russian territory, saying they are “critical” to Kiev’s success.

Valerii Zaluzhnyi warned it was a “crucial moment” for allies to show “steadfastness” and “patience” in bolstering Ukraine’s defences, while Foreign Minister David Lammy urged allies to show “courage”.

Speaking at the Labour Party conference in Liverpool, Zaluzhnyi stressed that lifting the restrictions on weapons would be crucial for the defence of Kiev.

He said: “Modern weapons with long-range air and ground capabilities are crucial. Lifting restrictions on the use of weapons against military targets in Russia is crucial. This would help protect civilians from Russian missiles and… bombs.

“This winter in Ukraine will be the most difficult. As we know, I believe in the resilience of the Ukrainian people, but without additional help the price will be very, very high.”

Valerii Zaluzhnyi (pictured on Sunday) warned that it was a “critical time” for allies to show “steadfastness” and “patience” in strengthening Ukraine’s defenses

Sir Keir Starmer (R) and Foreign Secretary David Lammy (L) at the British Ambassador’s residence in Washington before a meeting with US President Joe Biden on September 13

The UK and US have not explicitly given Kiev permission to fire Western long-range missiles – such as the British Storm Shadow weapons (pictured) – at targets in Russia, despite repeated requests from the country’s government.

The UK and US have not explicitly given Kiev permission to fire Western long-range missiles – such as the British Storm Shadow weapons – at targets in Russia, despite repeated requests from the Russian government.

Western concerns are about the risk of escalation. Russian President Vladimir Putin warned that such a move would mean NATO countries are at war with Moscow. There is speculation that a change of position is imminent.

Sir Keir Starmer travelled to Washington earlier this month to discuss the issue with US President Joe Biden, but no decision was made. Both leaders remain opposed to giving the green light for the use of the missiles.

It is likely that the topic will be raised again when Sir Keir, Mr Biden and Mr Zelensky all attend the UN General Assembly in New York this week.

The Ukrainian ambassador to the UK spoke at a meeting at the conference alongside Mr Lammy, who said international partners were talking “in real time” about how they could help.

Russian President Vladimir Putin will chair a meeting with members of the Security Council on September 20

Mr Lammy said: ‘I think we have to recognise Putin’s intimidating bluster and rhetoric for what it is: a kind of deliberate psychological warfare which is mostly an indication of his own fear of losing this ridiculous and horrible bloody escapade of his.

“He has a tendency to throw sand in his eyes.”

He added: ‘Look, there is a challenge. The challenge is that in a democracy with a free press, which of course underpins our democracy and is important in our democracy, there is a kind of public debate and discussion, and sometimes that discussion gets quite detailed in terms of tactics and how to wage a war in a way that the tactics of Russia, Iran and North Korea are not public.

‘That depends on our intelligence capacity and in particular on our Five Eyes partners, who sometimes reveal what we know about what is happening…

“I have to err on the side of caution and not go into too much detail about how we are helping Ukraine and how we will continue to help Ukraine.”