Previous restrictions stopping Ukraine from using long-range missiles against Russian targets could soon be lifted.
It has been suggested that the US and the UK could soon loosen the laws to allow Ukraine forces to attack back using Storm Shadow long-range missiles on Russian territory.
Former defence minister Mark Francois said that without the weapons, President Volodymyr Zelensky’s forces were fighting with “one hand tied behind their back” more than two years after the Russian army began its full-scale invasion.
Ukraine already has supplies of these missiles, but is restricted to firing them at targets inside its own borders. Kyiv has been pleading for weeks for these restrictions to be lifted so it can fire on targets inside Russia, and it is being suggested these restrictions could soon be lifted.
But why has there been a reluctance to give the green light and what difference could these missiles make to the war?
Storm Shadow is a long-range cruise missile with a maximum range of around 250km (155 miles).
It is launched from an aircraft, then flies at close to the speed of sound before dropping down and detonating its high explosive warhead on a specific target.
Storm Shadow is considered an ideal weapon for penetrating hardened bunkers and ammunition stores, such as those used by Russia in its war against Ukraine.
But each missile costs nearly $1 million (£767,000), so they tend to be launched as part of a carefully planned flurry of much cheaper drones.
Justin Crump, a military analyst, former British Army officer and CEO of the Sibylline consultancy, says Storm Shadow missiles have been a highly effective weapon for Ukraine, striking precisely against well-protected targets in occupied territory already.
He told the BBC: “It’s no surprise that Kyiv has lobbied for its use inside Russia, particularly to target airfields being used to mount the glide bomb attacks that have recently hindered Ukrainian front-line efforts.”
Why does Ukraine want to hit Russia?
Ukraine wants to be able to use the weapons not only inside their borders, but they want to fight back and target Russia too. Ukrainian cities and frontlines are under daily bombardment by Russia.
Many of the missiles and glide bombs that wreak devastation on military positions, blocks of flats and hospitals are launched by Russian aircraft far from within Russia itself.
Ukraine complains that not being allowed to hit the bases these attacks are launched from is akin to making it fight this war with one arm tied behind its back. It further argues that in order to push back the Russian air strikes, it needs long-range missiles, including Storm Shadow.
Why has the West hesitated?
It is believed to be feared that by granting permission, the move to directly target Russia will cause the war to escalate.
Ever since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the US has said its aim has been to give Ukraine as much support as possible without getting dragged into direct conflict with Moscow.
There are also fears a nuclear war could ensue, and other countries would have to get involved.
What has been said about lifting the restrictions now?
The UK and US top diplomats were also on the visit to hear from president Zelensky and other senior figures in Kyiv about how they would use these long-range missiles, including Storm Shadows supplied by Britain. They want to hear about Ukraine’s strategies for winning the war, which is set to enter a third harsh winter, with Putin’s military targeting electricity and water infrastructure in clear attacks on civilians.
