Britain does not rule out allowing Ukraine to deploy Storm Shadow missiles in Russia

Britain is still considering granting Ukraine permission to deploy its long-range Storm Shadow missiles on Russian territory. I has learned.

Earlier, President Volodymyr Zelensky suggested that Britain’s leadership on the Ukraine issue had “waned recently” as Ukraine continues its bold operation in Russia’s Kursk region.

British defence sources over the weekend dismissed reports that the US had delayed authorising Kyiv’s use of long-range missiles donated by Britain to attack targets in Russia after Keir Starmer asked President Joe Biden to authorise the move.

One source said that if permission were granted, confirmation would come “only after the first use of a Storm Shadow missile” to attack the Kremlin’s supply lines. The timeline for a decision is not yet known.

Defense Ministry sources also stressed that the government does not comment on the operational details of specific equipment, but added that under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, Ukraine has the right to defend itself by attacking Russian territory.

The Charter states: “Nothing in the present Charter shall affect the inalienable right of individual or collective self-defence if an armed attack occurs against a Member of the United Nations.”

President Zelensky said in a video message: “Throughout the war, we have seen Britain demonstrate true leadership – with weapons, policy and support for Ukrainian society. This has saved thousands of lives, which reflects the strength of Britain.”

“Unfortunately, the situation has slowed down recently. We will discuss how to fix this, because long-range capabilities are crucial for us. The whole world sees how effective the Ukrainians are – how our entire nation is defending its independence.”

A senior Defense Department official said rumors that the U.S. would block Ukraine from using Storm Shadow to attack Russia could have originated in Moscow.

Hamish de Bretton-Gordon, a former British Army and NATO commander, said: “To me, the reports that the US is blocking the use of Storm Shadow in Russia are more misinformation and wishful thinking from the Kremlin.”

He added that Britain must “allow” the deployment of Storm Shadow missiles on Russian territory: “The war is hanging in the balance and it is time for Starmer to show he has the strategic acumen to take on a key global leadership role.”

Col de Bretton-Gordon said there was “no fear of escalation” because he was convinced that “Russia would never use nuclear weapons.”

He added: “That would prevent any Russian counterattack. The Russian army is completely overwhelmed and Putin is clinging to power. So it’s time to put the boot in, and that boot is called Storm Shadow.”

The 1,300-kilogram cruise missile has a range of more than 250 kilometers and is designed to remain undetected after launch by flying low at speeds of more than 960 km/h.

The missiles can be launched from the ground or from the F-16 jets that Ukraine recently received as donations from various nations.

Lord Dannatt, former Chief of the General Staff, also supported the move to allow Ukraine to deploy the missile on Russian territory.

“I strongly believe we should allow the Ukrainians to use Storm Shadow to hit targets in Russia,” he said. “The United States and France should do the same. To be successful on the battlefield, the Ukrainians must fight and win the deep, close and rear battles.”

“Storm Shadow is the key to victory in deep combat – it hits targets at long range and thus limits the Russians in close combat.”

A Ministry of Defence spokeswoman said: “There has been no change in the UK’s position.

“We are providing military assistance to support Ukraine’s clear right to self-defense against Russia’s illegal attacks in accordance with international humanitarian law.

“It is clear to us that the equipment supplied by the UK is intended for the defence of Ukraine.”