The United Kingdom has reportedly authorised Ukraine to deploy Storm Shadow cruise missiles against targets within Russian territory. This decision, revealed by The Guardian and based on information from British government sources, marks a significant shift in the UK’s stance on Ukraine’s military capabilities in its ongoing war with Russia.
According to the report, the decision was made discreetly, and there are no plans for an official announcement. British officials have indicated that a public declaration on the use of long-range missiles to strike Russia could be seen as overly provocative. The move comes at a critical time in Ukraine’s counteroffensive against Russian forces, as Kyiv seeks more powerful weapons to target strategic military sites deep inside Russia.
The British government’s approval for Ukraine to use these missiles appears to have been a key factor in a recent high-profile visit to Kyiv by UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. During this trip, both officials refrained from publicly commenting on the decision but emphasised their continued support for Ukraine.
The visit is seen as a strong display of Western unity in the face of Russia’s aggression, with the two states reaffirming their commitments to Kyiv’s defence needs.
Limited Usage with Restrictions
Despite the approval, it is suggested that Ukraine’s use of Storm Shadow missiles will likely come with specific limitations to prevent unrestrained or unnecessary strikes. These restrictions are designed to reduce the risk of unintentional escalation in the conflict, which could further strain international relations, especially with the United States.
Storm Shadow missiles, developed in cooperation between the UK and France, are highly sophisticated weapons with a range exceeding 250 kilometres (155 miles). Their precision makes them capable of striking high-value military installations, making them a valuable tool in Ukraine’s fight to reclaim territory and weaken Russian infrastructure. However, their use on Russian soil has been a point of contention, particularly given the potential diplomatic fallout.
Meeting at the White House
The issue of long-range missile strikes is expected to be a focal point during an upcoming meeting between British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and US President Joe Biden at the White House on Friday, 13 September. While both countries remain steadfast in their support for Ukraine, Washington has historically been more cautious about endorsing strikes on Russian soil due to the risk of direct confrontation between NATO and Russia.
The meeting will likely address these concerns and discuss future military aid packages for Ukraine. The US has been a major provider of military assistance to Kyiv, but has so far hesitated to provide long-range weapons capable of striking deep into Russia, partly to avoid escalating the conflict into a broader war.
A Delicate Diplomatic Balance
Britain’s decision to allow Ukraine to use Storm Shadow missiles follows months of lobbying by Kyiv for advanced weaponry. While the UK has been one of the most vocal supporters of Ukraine since the war began, it has been mindful of maintaining strong relations with its allies, particularly the US. The covert nature of this latest approval highlights the careful balancing act that the UK is attempting to navigate, providing critical military support to Ukraine while managing the geopolitical sensitivities of the situation.
Despite these sensitivities, it is clear that the UK is committed to ensuring Ukraine has the necessary tools to defend itself. However, concerns remain over how Russia will react to this development. Moscow has previously warned that it would view Western arms supplies, particularly those enabling attacks on Russian territory, as a direct escalation of the conflict.
Read also:
Ukraine Seeks Western Approval for Long-Range Missile Strikes on Russia
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