LONDON, May 11 – In a significant move, Britain has become the first country to provide Ukraine with long-range cruise missiles, enabling Ukrainian forces to target Russian troops and supply dumps deep within enemy lines.
Ukraine had been requesting long-range missiles for several months, but previous support from Britain and other allies, like the United States, had been limited to shorter-range weapons.
Speaking in parliament, British Defence Minister Ben Wallace emphasized the deliberate targeting of civilians and held Russia accountable for necessitating the provision of such systems.
Wallace stated that Britain was supplying Storm Shadow missiles to Ukraine with the understanding that they would be used solely within Ukrainian territory and not against Russia.
The Kremlin responded by warning that if Britain supplied these missiles, it would prompt an adequate military response from Russia.
In recent days, Russia has launched numerous long-range missile strikes against Ukraine, claiming that they aim to weaken Kyiv’s fighting capabilities and denying any deliberate targeting of civilians.
Ukraine is expected to initiate a counteroffensive soon after maintaining a defensive stance for six months. Russia’s large-scale winter offensive failed to capture significant territory.
The Storm Shadow missiles, manufactured by European company MBDA, are air-launched and possess a range of over 250 km (155 miles). They are designed for targeting high-value objectives like fortified bunkers.
According to Sidharth Kaushal, a research fellow in sea power at the Royal United Services Institute in London, Britain’s decision to supply Storm Shadows is significant for Ukrainian forces for two reasons.
Firstly, it would bring Russian ammunition depots back within range after Russian troops adjusted their positions following the introduction of the U.S.-supplied High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) last year.
Secondly, Storm Shadows could be employed to target Russian ships in the Crimean port of Sevastopol, which is noteworthy as the Russian navy has been involved in launching attacks across Ukraine.
Following the United States, Britain is the second-largest provider of military aid to Ukraine, having contributed £2.3 billion ($2.9 billion) worth of support last year.
Although Britain’s assistance is lower compared to the United States, it has been the first country to supply more advanced weapons to Ukraine in the past.
In the lead-up to the invasion, Britain sent the initial batch of shoulder-launched anti-air and anti-tank weapons to Ukraine, and in February, it announced that it would be the first nation to train Ukrainian pilots on NATO fighter jets.
Furthermore, Britain pledged to send 14 battle tanks to Ukraine in January, which was followed by similar commitments from other countries, including the United States and Germany.
Wallace assured that the supply of Storm Shadows would adequately meet Ukraine’s current requirements.
He also mentioned a potential second wave of missile supplies by a British-led group of European nations, which recently invited companies to express interest in providing Ukraine with missiles having a range of up to 300 km (190 miles).
Wallace acknowledged the challenge of integrating a British-French designed weapon onto Russian-designed aircraft used by Ukrainian forces.
The United States has thus far declined to supply Ukraine with the Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) missiles, which have a range of 297 km, citing concerns about possible strikes within Russia’s internationally recognized borders.
Britain stated that it always assesses the risk of provocation or escalation before deciding what to send to Ukraine.
