The UK government has confirmed its position on the use of Storm Shadow missiles by the Ukrainian Armed Forces. This became known during a parliamentary question and answer session, when Conservative MP James Cartlidge addressed the topic.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence Luke Pollard assured that the UK's position on Storm Shadow had not changed. He noted that the government continued to provide military assistance to Ukraine, supporting its right to self-defence against illegal Russian aggression in accordance with international humanitarian law.
Recent statements by the new British Prime Minister Keir Starmer have also been clarified. He stated that Ukraine was allowed to use Storm Shadow to strike military targets in Russia. President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked the UK for the opportunity to attack enemy targets during the NATO summit in Washington.
Starmer stressed that the use of these missiles must comply with international humanitarian law, and the final decision on their use must be made by Ukraine.
Initially, the new British Prime Minister Keir Starmer did not confirm the authorization to use Storm Shadow missiles against Russia. At the same time, the British Defense Secretary John Healy stated that Ukraine could use these missiles on Russian territory.
The confusion arose because after taking office, Prime Minister Starmer proposed relaxing restrictions on the use of Storm Shadow, a policy change. Ministry of Defence sources explained that the UK should have agreed this 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.
