News Brief
After US Missiles, Ukraine Fires UK-Made 'Storm Shadow' To Strike Deep Into Russian Territory
Storm Shadow
Ukraine has reportedly fired British-made 'Storm Shadow' missiles to strike military targets deep inside Russian territory.
This move marks a major escalation in the conflict, which has now surpassed its 1,000th day.
The launch of these long-range cruise missiles is seen as a response to Russia's deployment of North Korean troops to support its war campaign, a step that Western officials have condemned as a dangerous escalation.
This incident marks the first instance of Ukraine utilising British-supplied cruise missiles beyond its borders.
Earlier, the UK had restricted their use to operations within Ukraine.
The decision to permit these missiles to be used against targets in Russia was reportedly made in response to Moscow's increasing reliance on unconventional allies and tactics.
The missile strikes reportedly hit military facilities in Russia's Kursk region and intercepted others over the Black Sea port city of Yeysk, according to reports from Russian channels linked to the military.
Just days before the reported strikes, US President Joe Biden approved Ukraine's use of Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) to target Russian positions.
Although Washington has dismissed Moscow's nuclear escalation warnings as mere rhetoric, Russia's updated nuclear doctrine has sparked global concern.
The revised doctrine, which allows for a nuclear response to any massive aerial assault or attacks threatening Russia's sovereignty, aligns with Putin's efforts to leverage his country's nuclear capabilities.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has been actively seeking Western support, emphasising that targeting Russian logistics hubs is essential for Ukraine's defence.
Zelenskyy has criticised earlier limitations on using advanced Western weapons, claiming such restrictions encouraged Moscow to carry out destructive airstrikes on Ukrainian cities.
With Joe Biden set to leave office in two months, President-elect Donald Trump has pledged to make ending the conflict a priority.
However, details of Trump's strategy remain unclear, and both sides appear determined to strengthen their positions before any potential negotiations.
