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In a significant escalation of the conflict between Ukraine and Russia, it has been reported that Ukraine has fired UK-supplied Storm Shadow missiles at Russian targets for the first time. Previously, Ukraine was restricted to only using the long-range missiles within its own borders. Reports of the strikes come after Washington gave Ukraine permission to fire US-supplied missiles at Russian territory.
The Ukrainian government has refused to comment on the reports for operational reasons, but officials confirmed that Defence Secretary John Healey spoke to his Ukrainian counterpart on Tuesday night. Ministers are likely to exercise caution in their response to the reports due to concerns over how Russia may react, as well as to ensure the move is not perceived as being led by the UK.
Ukraine’s Defence Minister Rustem Umerov has not confirmed that his country has used the Storm Shadow missiles within Russian territory, but said that it was “using all the means to defend our country”. Matthew Miller, the US State Department’s spokesperson, would also not comment on the use of the UK-supplied missile or whether the US was providing navigational assistance for their use.
President Volodymyr Zelensky has repeatedly called on Kyiv’s western allies to authorise the use of long-range missiles against targets inside Russia, stating that it is the only solution to end the war. Storm Shadow is an ideal weapon for penetrating hardened bunkers and ammunition stores, such as those used by Russia in its war against Ukraine. However, the US and UK had previously not given permission, with suggestions this was related to not wanting to escalate the war.
The Atacms was also used by Ukraine to target the Bryansk region bordering Ukraine on Tuesday, after US President Joe Biden gave the green light for Ukraine to use the Army Tactical Missile System supplied by the US to strike Russia at the weekend. Additionally, the US has approved sending landmines to Ukraine to slow down Russian troops. UK Prime Minister Sir Starmer said that the UK would “ensure Ukraine has what is needed for as long as needed”.
BBC Verify showed images on Telegram that claimed to show fragments of a Storm Shadow missile in Kursk to weapons experts. Amael Kotlarski, Weapons Team manager at Janes, confirmed that the large, rectangular piece of debris, featuring a hole in the centre, matches part of the mounting interface of the Storm Shadow/SCALP EG missile. Another expert could not reach a verdict based on the images.
The situation between Ukraine and Russia is still developing, and it remains unclear how Russia will respond to the use of Storm Shadow missiles on their territory by Ukraine. The use of such weapons risks further escalation and potential retaliation from Russia, which may in turn force western countries to intervene
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