The UK is set to increase its support for Ukraine, sparking speculation that British-supplied missiles may be utilized by Ukrainian forces to target locations deep within Russia. This move comes after US President Joe Biden allowed Ukraine to use US-supplied weapons to strike Russian sites, following persistent pressure from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
While the UK Government has not confirmed whether restrictions on the use of Storm Shadow missiles will be lifted, Defence Secretary John Healey emphasized the UK’s close collaboration with the US in providing support to Ukraine. He stressed the importance of doubling down on assistance to Ukraine and working alongside allies to ensure Ukraine’s defense.
There have been concerns raised about potential escalation of the conflict by using Western-supplied missiles to target Russia. However, Healey attributed the escalation in the conflict to President Putin’s actions, emphasizing that Russia has been the side escalating tensions in recent months.
The decision by the outgoing US president to allow the use of American long-range ATACMS missiles by Ukraine could have significant implications, especially as Ukrainian troops have made incursions into Russian territory. The UK Government aims to position Ukraine strongly to defend its sovereign territory, especially as winter approaches.
While Ukraine has been seeking permission to strike targets in Russian territory to counter air attacks, Russia has expressed concerns about the increased involvement of Western countries in the conflict. Despite these developments, support for Ukraine remains a top priority for leaders like Sir Keir Starmer, who has been advocating for backing Ukraine at international summits.
The shift in US policy could have political repercussions for Ukraine, as the limited range of missiles may impact the effectiveness of strikes on certain targets. Military experts suggest that the impact may be more political than military, as Ukraine seeks to demonstrate its value as a strategic ally to the US.
An intelligence assessment from the Ministry of Defence indicates that Russia is facing significant casualties in the conflict, with high casualty rates expected to continue. This assessment underscores the ongoing challenges faced by Russian forces in the conflict with Ukraine.
Overall, the decision to increase support for Ukraine and allow the use of Western-supplied missiles marks a significant development in the ongoing conflict. The international community will be closely monitoring the implications of these decisions on the dynamics of the conflict and the broader geopolitical landscape.
