Ukraine Launches First British-Made Missile Strikes Inside Russia, Escalating War
Ukraine has for the first time launched British-made Storm Shadow cruise missiles into Russian territory, marking a significant escalation in the 1,000-day-old conflict, Bloomberg reports.
This follows the recent deployment of US-made ATACMS missiles, and comes amidst growing concerns about a potential shift in US policy under President-elect Donald Trump.
A Western official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that the UK authorized the use of Storm Shadow missiles which allegedly targeted military infrastructure within Russia.
Reports indicate Storm Shadow debris was found in Russia’s Kursk region, and two missiles were intercepted near Yeysk, a port city on the Azov Sea.
This escalation follows President Biden’s approval for limited use of ATACMS missiles by Ukraine against targets inside Russia.
The Kremlin, while stating its readiness for talks with Trump regarding a potential ceasefire, cautioned that “freezing this conflict will not work for us.” These comments, made by Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, followed a Reuters report citing unnamed Russian officials suggesting potential negotiations based on current battlefield lines.
The looming Trump administration and its potential for reduced aid to Ukraine have created a backdrop of urgent diplomacy and military preparations, as both sides position themselves for what is likely to be challenging negotiations in the coming months.
