UK and Italy to Explore Authorization for Ukraine’s Use of Storm Shadow Missiles on Targets Inside Russia

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni are discussing a proposal in Rome to authorize Ukraine to use British Storm Shadow missiles for strikes on military targets inside Russia.

According to Bloomberg, the meeting will also address other issues, including the enhancement of economic relations between the UK and Italy. The proposed use of Storm Shadow missiles by Ukraine is expected to be a central point of discussion, reflecting ongoing international deliberations about providing Kyiv with advanced military capabilities.

This meeting follows recent discussions between Starmer and US President Joe Biden in Washington, where they debated whether Ukraine should be permitted to conduct long-range strikes with Storm Shadow missiles guided by US navigational data. While Biden expressed concerns about potential escalation, the UK remains committed to supporting Ukraine’s defense efforts.

In addition to today’s talks in Rome, British officials are scheduled to engage with their French and German counterparts in the coming days to further discuss the missile proposal. The discussions will also address broader issues related to Russian threats to Europe and support for Ukrainian reconstruction.

Further discussions on the missile proposal and related topics are expected to continue, with additional meetings planned at the United Nations later this month.