Ukraine has fired British-made Storm Shadow missiles into Russia for the first time.
The missiles were fired into the Kursk region on Wednesday morning, in response to Russia deploying North Korean troops in its war against Ukraine, an unnamed Western official has told Bloomberg.
The news follows earlier reports that the UK would likely follow the lead of the US in authorising Ukraine to use weapons they’ve supplied to strike targets in Russia.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer previously told Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky that British-supplied Storm Shadow missiles can be used to strike military targets, while the US previously stood firm in their agreement that their weapons could only be used in Ukraine-owned space.
Prior to the authorisation, many called on the UK government and the US to give Ukraine permission to use the long-range missiles on Russian territory.
Former defence minister Mark Francois said that, without the weapons, President Zelensky’s forces were fighting with “one hand tied behind their backs” more than two years after the Russian army began its full-scale invasion.
But why was there a reluctance to give the green light and what difference could these missiles make to the war?
What is Storm Shadow?
Storm Shadow is a long-range cruise missile with a maximum range of around 250km (155 miles).
It is launched from an aircraft, then flies at close to the speed of sound before dropping and detonating its high explosive warhead on a specific target.
Storm Shadow is considered an ideal weapon for penetrating hardened bunkers and ammunition stores, such as those used by Russia in its war against Ukraine.
But each missile costs nearly $1m (£767,000), so they tend to be launched as part of a carefully planned flurry of much cheaper drones.
Justin Crump, a military analyst, former British Army officer and CEO of the Sibylline consultancy, says Storm Shadow missiles have been a highly effective weapon for Ukraine, striking precisely against well-protected targets in occupied territory already.
He told the BBC: “It’s no surprise that Kyiv has lobbied for its use inside Russia, particularly to target airfields being used to mount the glide-bomb attacks that have recently hindered Ukrainian front-line efforts.”
Why does Ukraine want to hit Russia?
Ukraine wants to be able to use the weapons not only inside their borders, but to fight back and target Russia, too. Ukrainian cities and frontlines are under daily bombardment by Russia.
Many of the missiles and glide bombs that wreak devastation on military positions, blocks of flats and hospitals are launched by Russian aircraft far from within Russia itself.
Ukraine complains that not being allowed to hit the bases these attacks are launched from is akin to making it fight this war with one arm tied behind its back. It further argues that in order to push back the Russian air strikes, it needs long-range missiles, including Storm Shadow.
Why has the West hesitated?
Many fear that by granting permission, the move to directly target Russia will cause the war to escalate.
Ever since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the US has said its aim has been to give Ukraine as much support as possible without getting dragged into direct conflict with Moscow.
There are also fears a nuclear war could ensue, and other countries would have to get involved.
What has been said about the lift on restrictions now?
Although a spokesperson for Sir Keir said the government would not comment on the reports, on Tuesday, the Prime Minister recognised that the UK needed to “double down” on its support for Ukraine.
When asked at the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro recently whether Britons should prepare for nuclear war, Sir Keir said: “This is irresponsible rhetoric coming from Russia and that is not going to deter our support for Ukraine.”
