UK to Allow Ukraine to Use Storm Shadow Missiles Against Russia

Strategic Insights -

The UK has signaled its intent to permit Ukraine to use Storm Shadow missiles for defensive strikes against targets in Russia, following a clarification from Downing Street earlier this month. The British government has previously allowed Kyiv to use the long-range missiles against targets in Crimea and mainland Ukraine. Defence Secretary John Healey has stated that the delivery of the missiles does not preclude Ukraine from hitting targets inside Russia, as long as they comply with international humanitarian law.

Key Takeaways:

  • The UK has signaled its intent to permit Ukraine to use Storm Shadow missiles for defensive strikes against targets in Russia, following a clarification from Downing Street earlier this month.
  • The British government has previously allowed Kyiv to use the long-range missiles against targets in Crimea and mainland Ukraine.
  • Defence Secretary John Healey stated that the delivery of the missiles does not preclude Ukraine from hitting targets inside Russia, as long as they comply with international humanitarian law.
  • The use of Storm Shadow to hit targets inside Russia could potentially draw the UK into a conflict with Russia.
  • Sir Keir Starmer suggested that he was loosening restrictions on how the missiles were used, but Downing Street said government policy had not changed.
  • Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky shared a photograph of himself with Sir Keir, stating that they had discussed the practical implementation of the decision to use Storm Shadow missiles against Russian targets.
  • Zelensky would need to "seek assurances elsewhere" before missiles could be fired into Russia.
  • The UK has expressed its support for Ukraine in the fight against Russian aggression, with Prime Minister Sir Keir welcoming Zelensky to Downing Street.
  • Zelensky addressed the UK Cabinet in person, becoming the first foreign leader to do so since Bill Clinton 27 years earlier.

Statistics:

  • 27 years since Bill Clinton was the last foreign leader to address the UK Cabinet in person.
  • The Storm Shadow missile system has a range of over 200 miles (322 km).
  • The UK has provided Ukraine with significant military aid since the start of the conflict, including the use of Storm Shadow missiles against targets in Crimea and mainland Ukraine.

Sources:

  • BBC Radio 4's Today programme
  • The Times
  • Downing Street statement (no date provided)
  • Ukranian President Volodymyr Zelensky (no date provided)