Britain May Allow Ukraine to Use Storm Shadow Cruise Missiles against Russia

Strategic Insights -

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer's visit to Washington to meet with US President Joe Biden has coincided with a private decision in the British government to allow Ukraine to use Storm Shadow cruise missiles against targets in the Russian territory. According to sources, the British government has made this decision to facilitate Ukraine's military efforts, but it will not be publicly announced. This move is seen as a way to support Ukraine's war effort without being excessively provocative towards Russia. The joint visit of the British Foreign Office head David Lammy and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to Kyiv earlier this week suggests that this decision was made in private, with the aim of providing support to Ukraine without drawing unnecessary attention.

Key Takeaways:

  • Britain has likely decided to allow Ukraine to use Storm Shadow cruise missiles against targets in Russia, as reported by The Guardian with reference to sources in the British government.
  • The decision was made in private and will not be announced publicly, including during the meeting between British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and US President Joe Biden.
  • The British government seems to be cautious about making a public statement regarding the use of long-range missiles for strikes on Russia, considering it "excessively provocative".
  • Ukraine is likely to be allowed to use Storm Shadow cruise missiles with certain restrictions to avoid "reckless or unnecessary attacks".
  • The joint visit of the British Foreign Office head David Lammy and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to Kyiv earlier this week suggests that this decision was made in private.
  • US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced that over USD 700 million in aid will be allocated to Ukraine to support energy restoration, humanitarian efforts, and demining.

Statistics:

  • USD 700 million: The amount of aid allocated to Ukraine by the US to support energy restoration, humanitarian efforts, and demining, as announced by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

Sources:

  • The Guardian (September 2023)
  • Ukrainian News Agency (September 2023)