President Joe Biden, the subject of so much criticism for his contribution to the Democrats’ wipeout, could still make a significant difference to Ukraine – and his own legacy – before he leaves the White House.

In a lasting and defining act as head of a global superpower, Biden could bolster Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s war effort by giving permission to fire Storm Shadow missiles deep into Russian territory, making it harder for president-elect Donald Trump to reverse the decision in January. The Franco-British missiles rely on a classified US targeting system, which means the US President must sign off on any decision.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron have been urging Biden to make such a move and discussed the matter again on Monday in Paris, after a push in September came to nothing. Biden has been reluctant to allow the missiles to be used to strike inside Russia amid fears it could prompt Moscow to launch lethal attacks on European and US military.

Biden, who is set to lobby Trump to continue supporting Ukraine, could also use his waning influence to bolster Zelensky’s chances by hurrying along already allocated Congressional funding to the country.

A hazy picture is emerging of Trump’s attitude towards Ukraine, but it’s certainly not clear yet. The president-elect dodged the question during the electoral campaign, saying only that he could end the war “in 24 hours”. Clearer was the........

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