Britain denies allowing Ukraine to use Storm Shadow missiles against targets in Russia
12 July 2024 11:29
The UK Ministry of Defence was quick to clarify the situation regarding Ukraine’s use of Storm Shadow missiles following President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s statement. It turned out that London did not authorise the use of these missiles against targets in Russia. This was reported by "Komersant Ukrainian" reports with reference to The Telegraph.
Before that, President Zelenskyy announced on his social media account that he had received permission to use Storm Shadow against military targets on Russian territory. He mentioned this after a meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
However, the British government’s response was swift and clear. Downing Street stated that the policy on the use of missiles “has not changed”. Under current restrictions, Ukraine can only use Storm Shadow against targets in Crimea and mainland Ukraine.
A senior British defence source further explained that the situation was “more nuanced” than Zelenskyy had presented. According to the source, the launch of missiles into Russian territory requires the consent of three countries, including the UK. Later, at a press conference at the NATO summit, the Ukrainian president himself clarified that no final decision had been made on the use of missiles against targets in Russia.
It is known for certain that the previous UK government granted the relevant permission. For example, the previous Foreign Secretary, David Cameron, spoke clearly and unequivocally about this.
And Starmer himself was of the opposite opinion the day before.
“Obviously, [Storm Shadow missiles are to be] used in accordance with international humanitarian law, as you would expect. But it’s up to Ukraine to decide how they are deployed for these defensive purposes,”
– the UK Prime Minister said on 10 July.
Now, Prime Minister Starmer has reaffirmed his “unwavering support” Ukraine and announced plans to increase UK defence spending to 2.5% of GDP. This statement came amid wider discussions at the NATO summit on extending the range of weapons provided to Ukraine. Zelenskyy called on Western partners to lift “all restrictions” on the use of the weapons provided.
Former senior NATO official Jamie Shea called the Storm Shadow announcement an “incentive” for Ukraine, noting that the country should be able to retaliate against important military targets.
Storm Shadow
Storm Shadow is a long-range, precision-guided cruise missile developed jointly by the United Kingdom and France. This air-to-ground weapon is designed to engage stationary targets at a range of over 250 kilometres.
The missile is equipped with sophisticated navigation and guidance systems that allow it to fly at extremely low altitudes, skirting terrain, making it difficult to detect and intercept. The Storm Shadow is about 5.1 metres long, weighs approximately 1300 kg and carries a 450 kg warhead. It can reach speeds of up to 1000 km/h.
The missile has been in service since 2002 and has previously been used in several conflicts, including operations in Iraq and Libya. In 2023, the United Kingdom provided these missiles to Ukraine for use against Russia, which significantly enhanced the long-range strike capabilities of the Ukrainian armed forces.
The cost of one Storm Shadow missile ranges from $1 million to $3 million.
