Ukraine has launched British-made Storm Shadow missiles into Russian territory for the first time, as reported by Bloomberg on Wednesday, citing an unnamed Western official.
The use of these long-range cruise missiles marks a significant escalation in Ukraine’s counteroffensive against Russian forces.
A spokesperson for British Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, declined to comment on the specific reports, stating that his office would not be addressing operational matters.
This marks a careful stance, as Britain had previously permitted Ukraine to deploy the Storm Shadow missiles within its own borders for defensive operations.
However, the British government had been pressing the U.S. for several months to allow Ukraine to use these advanced missiles to target deep within Russian-held regions.
This shift came this week when U.S. President Joe Biden approved a change in policy, granting Ukraine permission to use U.S.-made weaponry for strikes deep into Russian territory.
This move marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing conflict, as it signals growing support for Ukraine’s efforts to target strategic Russian assets far beyond the frontlines.
