Confusion over the British government’s position has been compounded by comments from former officials. While The Times reported that London had asked Washington for permission to use the missiles in Russia, The Telegraph said no such formal request had been made. Complicating the situation further, the use of Storm Shadow missiles is not an exclusively British decision. The weapons are powered by US systems, so Washington's approval is required. Earlier, British sources reported that the approval of three countries, including Great Britain, would be required to deploy the missiles in Russia.
Ukraine has long asked its Western partners for permission to use long-range missiles, including the US Storm Shadow and ATACMS, in Russia. However, Western allies are reluctant to do so, citing the risk of escalation, according to a Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesman
If Ukraine could hit targets inside Russia with Western long-range missiles, the Kursk move would be less necessary.
While Western partners hesitate, Ukraine is developing its own tools. President Volodymyr Zelensky recently announced the successful test of the first Ukrainian-made ballistic missile, and the country also unveiled its new rocket robot, the Yanitsya.
Cover image is an illustration. Cover image source: Getty Images
