Russia-Ukraine war update: In the recent turn of events, Ukraine reportedly used the UK-supplied Storm Shadow missiles to strike Russian targets, in what is said to be an unprecedented escalation in the conflict. That is the first attack to use the long-range cruise missiles beyond Ukrainian borders.
Permission from Washington recently allowed Ukraine to use US-supplied missiles against Russia, signaling a shift in Western military support. While Ukrainian and UK officials have not confirmed the reports for operational reasons, sources indicate the strikes occurred earlier this week.
Defence Secretary John Healey spoke to his Ukrainian counterpart on Tuesday night. At the despatch box in Parliament, he avoided direct comment but said, “Ukraine’s battlefield actions speak for themselves.” The Ukraine’s Defence Minister Rustem Umerov would only say the country is “using all available means to defend our country.”
Ukraine uses UK-supplied Storm Shadow Missiles, gains big advantage against Russia
The Storm Shadow is a precision-guided missile jointly developed by Anglo-French, with a range of approximately 250 kilometers (155 miles). It became notorious for its use in penetrating fortified bunkers and ammunition depots. It can provide a critical advantage against deeply entrenched positions, especially those of Russia.
The reports emerged through social media. According to an analysis of the images by experts, fragments of the Storm Shadow missiles were found in the Kursk region. Weapons specialists confirmed the debris matched the components of the missile. Not all experts were able to corroborate the findings.
The US also greenlit Ukraine’s use of the Army Tactical Missile System-Atacms. It reportedly flew into strikes on Russia’s Bryansk region earlier this week. This comes after several months of calls by the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelensky, asking for expanded long-range missile support against Russian forces.
Western governments, including the US and UK, had previously resisted authorizing such use, fearing it might escalate the conflict. However, both nations now appear committed to ensuring Ukraine has the necessary tools to repel Russian aggression.
UK PM speaks in support of Ukraine
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, speaking at the G20 summit, reaffirmed Britain’s support. “We will provide Ukraine with what it needs for as long as it is needed,” he said.
Such use of Storm Shadow missiles and Atacms forms a defining moment in the war. Notably, the dynamics are likely to change, with Ukraine striking deeper into Russian-held territory.
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