Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called on Britain to permit missile strikes deep inside Russia, asserting that his army’s cross-border attack could potentially lead to Vladimir Putin’s ousting.
As Russian forces launched counter-attacks along the Kursk front line, Zelenskyy reiterated his appeal to Western allies for permission to use long-range missiles within Russia. He emphasized that his defense officials and diplomats have been directed to “present a list of necessary actions on our part to obtain permission from our partners to use long-range weapons to defend our territory.”
Despite these efforts, The Telegraph reports that the UK Government has not granted Ukraine approval to use Storm Shadow missiles as part of its Kursk offensive.
A British government source clarified the UK’s stance: “There have been no changes. We provide military assistance to support Ukraine’s clear right to self-defense against illegal attacks by Russia in accordance with international humanitarian law. We are clearly aware that the equipment provided by Great Britain is intended to protect Ukraine.”
During a visit to the UK in July, Zelenskyy lobbied opposition leader Sir Keir Starmer to lift restrictions on the use of Storm Shadow missiles, which have a range of about 250 kilometers. Ukraine aims to target airfields and logistics hubs far beyond the front line that Moscow is using to reinforce its position in Kursk.
Hamish de Bretton-Gordon, a former British tank commander, highlighted the strategic advantage of Storm Shadow missiles, noting they could strike “rail heads and key roads coming into Kursk Region, and additionally any airfields within 100 miles.”
He added, “Putin is rattled, and this would show the West is fully committed to Ukraine, which has not been apparent hitherto.”
The decision on how Storm Shadow missiles are employed is not solely up to the UK Government, as the missiles are co-manufactured with France, giving Paris a say in the matter as well.
Additionally, Kyiv has requested permission from Washington to use its ATACAMS long-range missiles during the Kursk offensive, but this request has also been denied so far.
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