Britain refuses to allow Ukraine to use Storm Shadow missiles to strike Kursk region
Illustrative photo (Getty Images)
The UK government has not permitted Ukraine to use Storm Shadow missiles for strikes in the Kursk region. Despite efforts by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to lift restrictions on the use of these munitions, London's stance remains unchanged, citing The Telegraph.
"There has been no change," a government source said.
Storm Shadow missiles, with a range of about 250 kilometers, could allow the Ukrainian military to target airfields and logistical centers that Russia uses to strengthen its positions in the Kursk region. However, London continues to deny Kyiv permission to use them.
Last month, during a visit to the UK, Zelenskyy lobbied Sir Keir Starmer to support the lifting of restrictions.
Former British tank commander Hamish de Bretton-Gordon noted that the Storm Shadow could strike "rail heads and key roads coming into Kursk, plus any airfields within 100 miles."
He also added that allowing the use of these missiles would demonstrate the West's determination to support Ukraine.
However, the decision on the use of these missiles does not rest solely with the UK, as Storm Shadows are jointly manufactured with France. Therefore, Paris also has a say in the conditions of their use.
Additionally, Ukraine has approached the United States with a request to allow the use of long-range ATACMS missiles for an offensive in the Kursk region but has so far been refused.
Fighting in Kursk region
Last week, fighting broke out in the Kursk region, and the Russian side claims that Ukrainian forces have allegedly breached the border. Furthermore, Russian officials report losing control of 28 settlements in the region. However, according to DeepState, this number is much higher—around 44 settlements are under Ukrainian control.
Recently, Ukraine officially confirmed an operation in the Kursk region. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported this following a meeting of the General Staff.
Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces Oleksandr Syrskyi clarified that Ukrainian forces continue operations in the region, controlling an area of approximately one thousand square kilometers.
