UK Lifts Ban on Storm Shadow Missiles for Ukraine

Strategic Insights -

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has confirmed that the UK will allow Ukraine to use Storm Shadow missiles to target military installations inside Russia, despite the move likely to escalate tensions with Moscow. This decision comes after the UK government lifted a ban on using these missiles for attacks across the border, a move that was welcomed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the recent NATO summit in Washington. While the prime minister emphasized the need for Ukraine to comply with international humanitarian law, he stated that the ultimate decision on how to deploy the missiles lies with Kyiv.

Key Takeaways:

  • The UK has lifted its ban on using Storm Shadow missiles for attacks across the border, allowing Ukraine to use them to target military installations in Russia.
  • Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has welcomed the decision, saying that it would enable Ukraine to "discuss the practical implementation of this decision."
  • The Storm Shadow missiles have a firing range of over 250km and are precision-guided long-range cruise missiles that have been used by British and French air forces in various conflicts.
  • The UK has confirmed that it would supply Ukraine with Storm Shadows in May last year, and the decision is seen as a more hawkish stance from the UK's previously ambiguous position on the matter.
  • Defence Secretary John Healey has approved Kyiv's use of Storm Shadow missiles for strikes inside Russia, affirming Britain's commitment to helping Ukraine fight the Russian forces.
  • Russian President Vladimir Putin's spokesperson, Dimitry Peskov, has condemned the move, stating that it "escalates tensions and seriously escalates the situation."

Statistics:

  • The Storm Shadow missiles have a firing range of over 250km.
  • The UK has confirmed that it would supply Ukraine with Storm Shadows in May last year.
  • Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked Prime Minister Stamer for the UK's military and financial assistance.
  • Nato has stated that it will continue to support Ukraine's "irreversible path to full Euro-Atlantic integration, including Nato membership."

Sources:

  • Volodymyr Zelenskyy / ÐÐ¾Ð»Ð¾Ð´Ð¸Ð¼Ð¸Ñ ÐеленÑÑкий (@ZelenskyyUa)
  • Reuters
  • Getty images caption