UK provides clarification on Ukraine's use of its weapons on Russian territory
Photo: UK has allowed Kyiv to use weapons on Russian territory (Getty Images)
UK weapons can be used by Ukrainian troops in operations in Russia. However, restrictions on the use of Storm Shadow missiles remain in place, according to a representative of the UK Ministry of Defense.
The representative said that Ukraine has “clear right of self-defence against Russia's illegal attacks” and “that does not preclude operations inside Russia.”
“We make clear during the gifting process that equipment is to be used in line with international law,” the representative says.
This policy means that UK tanks, anti-tank missiles, and other military equipment donated to Ukraine can be used on Russian territory as part of Ukraine's defense against a Russian invasion.
At the same time, restrictions on the use of UK-supplied Storm Shadow missiles, which can only be used within Ukraine's internationally recognized borders, remain in place.
Ukraine said that since August 6, it has seized more than 1,000 square kilometers of Russian territory using drones, heavy artillery, and tanks.
A UK source said that Ukrainian troops used British Challenger 2 tanks in Russia. The UK Ministry of Defense refused to comment on the use of British tanks near Russia.
In May, the then UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron said that Ukraine has the right to use weapons provided by London to defeat targets in Russia, but the government has not commented on the use of donated weapons by Ukrainian ground forces in Russia.
