Table of Contents
- 1 change policy
- 2 “Secure for as long as Ukraine needs it”
- 3 **Considering the diverse range of international responses to Ukraine’s use of Storm Shadow missiles, how effectively is the international community coordinating its approach to this conflict, and what are the potential consequences of this fragmentation?**
image captionUkraine had previously restricted the use of the British-supplied Storm Shadow long-range cruise missile to its own borders. The image shows the Storm Shadow on display at an airshow held in Farnborough, England. “Storm Shadow/Scalp” is written on the side.
5 hours ago
Jonathan Beale (Defence Editor), Amy Walker (BBC News)
On the 20th, Ukraine fired a long-range cruise missile, the Storm Shadow, provided by the United Kingdom, for the first time against a target in Russia, the BBC learned.
Until now, war-ravaged Ukraine had been limited to using long-range missiles provided by other countries within its borders.
The British government declined to comment on the report for operational reasons. However, government officials confirmed that Defense Minister John Healey had spoken to his Ukrainian counterpart on the night of the 19th.
Ministers are likely concerned about Russia’s reaction and are being cautious in their response to the press, lest the move be perceived as British-led.
Defense Secretary Healey told the House of Commons earlier that “Ukraine’s actions on the battlefield speak for themselves.”
Ukraine’s Defense Minister Rustem Umerov also declined to say whether his country had used Storm Shadow against Russia, but said: “We are using all means to defend our country.”
U.S. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller also would not comment on the use of British-supplied missiles or whether the U.S. is providing navigational aid to use those missiles.
Asked by the BBC if Ukraine consulted or informed the US about the use of British-supplied missiles, Miller said: “We do not speak publicly about the use of other countries’ weapons.”
change policy
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has repeatedly called on Western allies to allow the use of long-range missiles against targets inside Russia.
The Storm Shadow is considered an ideal weapon for penetrating strong trenches and ammunition dumps. Russia also uses such weapons in its war with Ukraine.
Until now, the United States and Britain have not allowed Ukraine to attack Russia with weapons they have provided. It was pointed out that this was because they did not want to escalate the war any further.
However, on the 17th, Mr. Biden authorized Ukraine to use the Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) provided by his country to attack Russia.
This was disclosed by U.S. officials in a briefing, but Zelenskiy said on the same day that he would not make any announcements on the matter, saying, “The missile itself will speak for itself.”
On the 19th, Ukraine used ATACMS in an attack on Russia’s Bryansk Oblast, which borders Ukraine.
The United States also announced on the 20th that it had authorized the delivery of land mines to Ukraine in an attempt to slow the movement of Russian troops.
“Secure for as long as Ukraine needs it”
Speaking at the Group of 20 (G20) summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on the 19th, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said that his country intends to “secure what Ukraine needs, for as long as it needs it.” He said that.
Storm Shadow is a long-range cruise missile jointly developed by Britain and France, with a maximum range of approximately 250 kilometers. In France, it is called “scalp”.
A missile launched from an aircraft flies along the terrain at speeds close to the speed of sound. The warhead explodes when it falls.
An image has surfaced on the messaging app Telegram that purports to show debris from Storm Shadow taken in Russia’s Kursk Oblast. BBC Verify showed the images to weapons experts.
Amael Kotlersky, weapons team manager at JANES, an open source intelligence company specializing in military and national security, said, “The large rectangular piece with a hole in the center is a Storm Shadow/Scalp EG missile. We confirmed that it matches some of the mounting interfaces of
Another expert said it was impossible to tell from the images.
Additional interviews: Rebecca Hartman (Washington), Rupert Carey (London)
**Considering the diverse range of international responses to Ukraine’s use of Storm Shadow missiles, how effectively is the international community coordinating its approach to this conflict, and what are the potential consequences of this fragmentation?**
## World Today News: Interview on Ukraine’s Use of Storm Shadow Missiles
**Introduction:**
Welcome to World Today News. Today, we’re discussing the recent shift in Ukraine’s military strategy with the use of long-range Storm Shadow missiles against targets inside Russia. Joining us are:
* **Dr. Natalie Petrova:** International relations expert specializing in Eastern European security.
* **General John Miller (Ret.):** Former military strategist with experience in missile defense and international conflict.
**Section 1: Escalation and Military Strategy**
* Dr. Petrova, Ukraine has previously been restricted from using Western-supplied weapons within Russian territory. What led to this policy change, and what implications does it have for the course of the war?
* General Miller, the article mentions that the Storm Shadow missiles are considered ideal for penetrating heavily fortified positions. Do you agree with this assessment? How might Russia respond to this development, and what countermeasures might they employ?
* This incident follows the U.S. authorization of ATACMS missiles for Ukraine. Some argue that these actions risk further escalation. How do you assess the level of risk, and what are the possible scenarios we might see unfold?
**Section 2: International Response and Moral Implications**
* Dr. Petrova, we see a range of responses from international players – the U.S. is supplying weapons while seemingly cautious about commenting. How do you interpret these varied approaches, and what are the potential consequences of this lack of uniformity in response?
* General Miller, the ethical debate surrounding the use of weapons against a nation’s infrastructure is complex. What are your thoughts on the moral implications of providing Ukraine with these capabilities, considering the potential for civilian casualties and collateral damage?
* Both NATO and Russia have expressed concerns about the potential for the conflict to escalate. What diplomatic efforts can be made to de-escalate the situation and prevent a wider conflict?
**Section 3: Ukraine’s Perspective and Future Outlook**
* Dr. Petrova, Ukraine’s President Zelensky has long advocated for long-range weapons. What message does this latest development send regarding Ukraine’s strategy and resolve?
* General Miller, some argue that by halting Russia’s advance, these types of weapons ultimately contribute to peace. Do you believe this tactic is likely to lead to a negotiated settlement, or could it prolong the conflict indefinitely?
* Darkness is peering into the future: What are the long-term consequences of this use of Storm Shadow missiles, both for Ukraine and for international relations?
**Conclusion:**
This recent development raises crucial questions about the future of the
conflict in Ukraine.
We appreciate the insights provided by Dr. Petrova and General Miller. This is a complex and evolving situation, and we will continue to foll
ow it closely.
Thank you for joining us on World Today News.
