Ukraine has reportedly used British-supplied long-range missiles to strike Russian territory for the first time, according to an unnamed official cited by Bloomberg.
The report marks a significant escalation, as the UK previously allowed Ukraine to use British equipment such as tanks, anti-tank missiles, and more in Ukrainian territory only. Storm Shadow cruise missiles, capable of a 155-mile range, have been utilized in past operations, including strikes in Crimea. The British government has not confirmed or commented on these reports, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer's office declining to address the matter.
Videos from the region suggest up to 12 missiles were used in the strike, according to a report from the Guardian. The missiles targeted a site believed to be a command center in Maryino, Russia, where Ukrainian media speculated that North Korean and Russian officers were stationed.
The development aligns with a recent policy shift by President Joe Biden’s administration, which authorized Ukraine to use long-range American missiles inside Russian territory. Following this policy change, Ukraine targeted sites in Bryansk, reportedly focusing on North Korean troops deployed to supplement Russian forces and infrastructure aiding a potential offensive against Ukraine.
Many Western critics have cautioned that the use of such weapons could further escalate tension between the West and Russia. Shortly following the use of US-made missiles for the first time, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Russia would respond “appropriately.”
Russian President Vladimir Putin has previously warned that the use of US and UK missiles by Ukraine inside Russian territory would be the equivalent of NATO engaging in direct conflict with the country. Putin has recently approved a change in his country’s nuclear doctrine, lowering the threshold for the use of nuclear weapons.
