Ukraine Launches Storm Shadow Missiles at Russia for First Time, Bloomberg Reports

For the first time, Ukraine’s armed forces launched British-made Storm Shadow cruise missiles at military targets within Russia, Bloomberg reports citing a Western official familiar with the situation.

The use of Storm Shadow missiles was approved in response to Russia deploying North Korean troops in its war on Ukraine, which the UK government viewed as an escalation, according to a source speaking anonymously due to the sensitivity of the issue.

It was not specified when or where exactly Ukraine used Storm Shadow missiles to strike targets, but Russian sources reported their use in the Kursk region November 20.

According to Russian sources, Ukrainian forces targeted facilities in the village of Maryino, Kursk region. The "Dva Mayora" channel claimed 12 Storm Shadow missiles were launched toward the area, while "Military Informant" reported at least 10 missiles.

Earlier, British government sources hinted that the United States may have authorized Ukraine to use Storm Shadow missiles for strikes on Russian territory, The Times reported.

On November 19, US Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs Brian A. Nichols officially confirmed that the White House has authorized Ukraine to use long-range weapons for strikes on Russian territory.

Ukraine's Defense Forces have reportedly carried out their first-ever strike on a military target within Russian territory, using US-manufactured ATACMS ballistic missiles, on November 19.