Britain calls for Starmer to allow Ukraine to strike Russia with Storm Shadow missiles - Sunday Times

Grant Shapps, Ben Wallace, Gavin Williamson, Penny Mordaunt, Liam Fox, and Boris Johnson have warned the British Prime Minister that any further delay on this issue would embolden Russian President Vladimir Putin.

According to Wallace, as reported by the Sunday Times, failing to act now would amount to Britain appeasing the Kremlin, which constitutes a dereliction of duty, particularly in terms of supporting Ukraine in repelling Russian aggression.

Boris Johnson also told Starmer that there is no reason for delay.

What preceded this

Ukraine has long urged its partner countries to lift restrictions on the use of Western missiles, including American ATACMS and British Storm Shadows, for Ukrainian attacks on targets deep within Russia.

Kyiv argues that this would limit Moscow’s ability to launch strikes against civilian targets in Ukraine, particularly using aviation.

On Friday, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and US President Joe Biden discussed in Washington whether to allow Ukraine to use long-range missiles against targets in Russia. No decision has been announced.

Before this, White House representative John Kirby mentioned that he did not expect an announcement regarding the capability to strike deep within Russia. He also added that there have been no changes in US policy on this matter.

Additionally, according to The Guardian, both the US and Britain have permitted Ukraine to strike with long-range missiles against targets in Russia’s rear, but this has not been officially announced.