The United Kingdom has reportedly decided to allow Ukraine to use its British-supplied Storm Shadow missiles for long-range strikes deep into Russia. This decision comes after Ukraine has argued that restrictions on the use of long-range weapons are hindering its war effort. However, there are concerns from Washington that allowing Ukraine to hit deep into Russian territory could escalate the situation. The U.S. Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, and U.K. Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, have stated that Russia is responsible for escalating the war during a joint press conference in Kyiv. The U.S. has been considering potential changes to its policy on long-range strikes, but specific details have not been confirmed.
The visit to Kyiv by Blinken and Lammy followed the confirmation that Iran had delivered ballistic missiles to Russia, giving Moscow additional capabilities and flexibility in the war. The U.S. has warned Tehran about the dangerous escalation that could result from such deliveries. Reports suggest that Ukraine has already used Storm Shadow missiles to hit Russian military targets in Crimea, which is a sovereign Ukrainian territory illegally annexed by Russia. The U.K. has been privately in favor of allowing Ukraine to use these missiles in strikes on Russia, but has been hesitant to publicly press for such a change in policy due to concerns about potential backlash from the U.S.
Despite the confirmed delivery of ballistic missiles from Iran to Russia, there are conflicting reports about whether the U.S. would change its policy on long-range strikes. Blinken has stated that the U.S. has been willing to alter its strategy from the beginning, but specific details about any potential changes have not been disclosed. The use of Storm Shadow missiles by Ukraine has been a point of contention, with the U.K. reportedly supporting their use while being cautious about publicly advocating for it. The visit by Blinken and Lammy to Kyiv suggests that there may have been a shift in policy regarding the usage of these missiles, although no explicit announcement is expected during their visit.
The delivery of ballistic missiles from Iran to Russia could have significant implications for the conflict in Ukraine. The U.S. has expressed concerns about this escalation and has warned Tehran about the potential consequences of such actions. While Ukraine has already used Storm Shadow missiles in strikes on Russian military targets, the decision to allow further use of these weapons for long-range strikes deep into Russia could change the dynamics of the conflict. The U.K.’s support for Ukraine in this regard may signal a shift in policy, although the details of this decision remain unclear.
Overall, the situation in Ukraine continues to escalate, with reports of Iran delivering ballistic missiles to Russia adding another layer of complexity to the conflict. The U.K.’s decision to allow Ukraine to use its Storm Shadow missiles for long-range strikes deep into Russia could potentially change the course of the war. The U.S. and its allies are closely monitoring the situation and considering potential changes to their policies in response to the evolving dynamics of the conflict. The visit by Blinken and Lammy to Kyiv underscores the importance of international support for Ukraine and the need to address the escalating violence in the region.
