UK Backs Ukraine's Use of Storm Shadow Missiles Amid US Concerns

Strategic Insights -

The UK government has reportedly supported the use of Storm Shadow missiles by Ukraine in Russia, but will not publicly call for the move due to concern it could provoke a row with the US. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has repeatedly asked to use the missiles to strike deep inside Russia, but the US has expressed concerns that their use could escalate the conflict and draw in American troops.

Key Takeaways:

  • The UK government supports the use of Storm Shadow missiles by Ukraine in Russia, but will not publicly call for the move.
  • The missiles, which can avoid enemy radar and hit precise targets up to 190 miles away, are generally used alongside classified US systems, requiring the permission of Washington.
  • The US has expressed concerns that the use of the missiles, even without US approval, could escalate the conflict and lead to American troops being drawn into the conflict.
  • US officials have privately bemoaned Britain's front-foot approach to giving military equipment to Ukraine, with one senior military source stating that the US fears escalation more than the UK does because they have to deal with it.
  • The Whitehall source also suggested that the Russians have moved critical assets out of range, making it questionable whether the Storm Shadow missiles would be effective in destroying Russian targets.

Statistics:

  • Storm Shadow missiles can hit precise targets up to 190 miles away.
  • The UK government has not made a formal request to the US for Ukraine to use the missiles inside Russia.
  • The US has privately bemoaned Britain's front-foot approach to giving military equipment to Ukraine.
  • The first successful test-fire of a domestically-built ballistic missile was carried out by Ukraine on Tuesday.

Sources:

  • A White House source
  • A senior military source
  • A Whitehall source
  • Report from Page 11