The United Kingdom, which has prided itself on being ahead of many Western allies in providing new weapons systems, now appears ready to send long-range missiles to Ukraine. The Washington Post reports.
In a recent procurement announcement published by the International Fund for Ukraine, the UK Ministry of Defence asked for “expressions of interest” for strike capabilities with a range of up to 300 km. The notice asked for responses within three days.
According to a British official, the final decision has not yet been made, but the announcement itself is a step towards Britain starting to supply such munitions itself. The requested specifications and capabilities are related to the Franco-British Storm Shadow air-to-ground cruise missiles.
Ukraine has long been asking its partners to provide it with longer-range missiles. These weapons would allow the Ukrainian Armed Forces to attack command centres, supply lines, ammunition and fuel depots in the territories temporarily occupied by Russia in eastern and southern Ukraine. As Kyiv prepares to launch a counter-offensive soon, the ability to strike far behind the front lines would help clear the way for a ground assault using tanks and infantry.
“If we could strike at a distance of up to 300 kilometres, the Russian army would not be able to provide defence and would be defeated,” said Ukrainian Defence Minister Oleksiy Reznikov. – “Ukraine is ready to provide any guarantees that your weapons will not be used in attacks on Russian territory.
Russia has accused Ukraine of using drones for sporadic attacks deep inside Russia. Kyiv has not claimed responsibility for any of these attacks, but has asserted its right to strike internal Russian targets with its own weapons. Concerns that Ukraine will fire missiles at targets in Russia are a key reason why the US administration has repeatedly rejected requests for US long-range munitions.
Back in February, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak denied that Ukraine’s partners were talking about depleting their stockpiles. “If there is a moment in this conflict when we can make a difference, why not take it? What are we waiting for?” he asked his European allies. – “What is the purpose of these stockpiles? If these weapons weaken the Russian armed forces, then it strengthens our security.”
A few weeks before these remarks, US intelligence confirmed that Britain intended to send Ukraine a number of Storm Shadow missiles, along with personnel to help with targeting. “The United Kingdom will be the first country to provide Ukraine with longer-range weapons,” Sunak said in his Munich speech.
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