Ukraine has reportedly deployed British-supplied Storm Shadow missiles to strike targets within Russia’s Kursk Region, according to a BBC report released on Wednesday.
This action marks the first time these missiles have been used against targets on Russian soil, following a similar allowance by the United States for the use of ATACMS missiles on Russian territory.
The BBC, citing unnamed British officials, reported that UK Defence Secretary John Healey had discussions with his Ukrainian counterpart the previous night, although the specifics of these talks remain undisclosed.
Earlier in the day, Healey addressed the House of Commons, reinforcing the UK’s commitment to supporting Ukraine by stating, “Ukraine’s action on the battlefield speaks for itself.”
While the UK government has not officially confirmed the use of Storm Shadow missiles in this manner, the BBC highlighted caution among British ministers regarding Russia’s potential response to such actions.
The report also mentioned images circulating on Telegram purportedly showing remnants of a Storm Shadow missile in the Kursk Region. Weapons experts verified that the images belonged to such a missile, though the exact time and location could not be confirmed.
This development follows reports by Bloomberg suggesting that London’s decision might have been influenced by the alleged involvement of North Korean troops in Kursk. In this area, Ukraine has been conducting operations.
The BBC’s consultation with experts lends credence to the possibility that these high-precision, long-range missiles were used in the region.
The US State Department, represented by Spokesman Matthew Miller, declined to comment on the specifics of the UK’s involvement or navigational support for these missiles, maintaining that they would not publicly discuss another country’s military assets.
Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov also avoided direct confirmation of the missile strikes but emphasized Ukraine’s use of all available means to defend its sovereignty.
President Volodymyr Zelensky has long advocated for the freedom to use Western-supplied long-range missiles against Russian targets, arguing that such capabilities are essential to ending the conflict.
The Storm Shadow, known for its ability to penetrate fortified structures, represents a strategic asset for Ukraine, especially given its precision in targeting bunkers and ammunition depots, which are crucial in the ongoing military engagements with Russia.
The missile’s operational range is 550 km. MBDA, a European multinational corporation headquartered in France, manufactures them.
Sources
- BBC: Ukraine fires UK-supplied Storm Shadow missiles at Russia for first time
- RT: British state media confirms ‘Storm Shadow’ strike deep inside Russia
- MBDA: Storm Shadow
