The British government has confirmed its position regarding the use of Storm Shadow missiles by the Armed Forces of Ukraine. This came to light during a parliamentary question and answer session when Conservative MP James Cartledge addressed the topic.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defense Luke Pollard assured that the UK's position on Storm Shadow has not changed. He noted that the government continues to provide military aid to Ukraine, supporting its right to self-defense against Russia's illegal aggression in accordance with international humanitarian law.
The recent statements of the new British Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, have also been clarified. He stated that Ukraine was authorized to use Storm Shadow to strike military targets on Russian territory. During the NATO summit in Washington, President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked Great Britain for the opportunity to attack enemy targets.
Starmer emphasized that the use of these missiles must comply with international humanitarian law, and the final decision on their use must be made by Ukraine.
At first, the new British Prime Minister Keir Starmer did not confirm the authorization to use Storm Shadow missiles against Russia. At the same time, British Defense Minister John Healy said that Ukraine can use these missiles on the territory of Russia.
The confusing situation arose because after taking office, Prime Minister Starmer proposed to relax restrictions on the use of Storm Shadow, a policy change. MoD sources explained that the UK had to coordinate the decision with France, which is a co-producer of the missiles, and other key NATO allies before allowing Ukraine to use the missiles against Russia.
