Ukraine Fires UK-Supplied Storm Shadow Missiles into Russian Territory
Ukraine has reportedly used UK-supplied Storm Shadow missiles to strike targets inside Russia for the first time, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict. Previously, Ukraine was restricted to using these long-range missiles within its own borders.
The development comes after the United States gave Ukraine permission to use US-supplied missiles on Russian territory. While the UK government has not officially commented on the reports, Defence Secretary John Healey spoke with his Ukrainian counterpart on Tuesday night.
Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov did not confirm the specific use of Storm Shadow missiles but stated that Ukraine is “using all the means to defend our country.” Similarly, US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller declined to comment on the missile use or potential navigational assistance.
President Volodymyr Zelensky has consistently advocated for the use of long-range missiles against Russian targets, arguing it is crucial to ending the war. Storm Shadow missiles are particularly effective against hardened bunkers and ammunition stores, making them strategically valuable.
The Storm Shadow, an Anglo-French cruise missile, has a maximum range of 250km (155 miles) and is launched from aircraft. It flies close to the speed of sound, hugging the terrain before dropping and detonating its high-explosive warhead.
BBC Verify examined images on Telegram purportedly showing Storm Shadow missile fragments in the Kursk region. Amael Kotlarski from Janes confirmed that one piece of debris matched the missile’s mounting interface, though another expert could not definitively verify the claim.
This recent development follows the US approval for Ukraine to use Army Tactical Missile System (Atacms) missiles, which Ukraine subsequently used to target the Bryansk region bordering Ukraine on Tuesday. The US has also approved sending landmines to Ukraine to slow Russian troop movements.
At the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer reaffirmed the UK’s commitment, stating they would “ensure Ukraine has what is needed for as long as needed.”
The use of these long-range missiles represents a potential turning point in the conflict. Previously, the US and UK had been hesitant to authorize strikes within Russian territory, likely to avoid further escalation. However, the recent approvals suggest a shift in strategic approach.
Ministers are expected to exercise caution in their responses, mindful of potential Russian reactions and ensuring the action is not perceived as being primarily led by the UK.
As the conflict continues, the international community watches closely to see how these new developments might impact the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia.
