UK may provide Ukraine with long-range missiles – WP
The UK Ministry of Defense is considering supplying Ukraine with Storm Shadow air-launched cruise missiles with a range of 300 kilometers, the Washington Post (WP) reported in a May 8 article.
The publication refers to a procurement notice published on May 2 by the International Fund for Ukraine (IFU), a platform with the participation of the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and Denmark, through which Kyiv conducts tenders for the purchase of weapons for its needs.
In the notice, the UK Ministry of Defense asked for proposals for weapons capable of striking at a range of up to 300 kilometers. The proposals were expected within three days.
According to a British official, who declined to confirm the type, timing, or quantity of weapons under consideration, no final decision has been made. At the same time, the publication notes that the requested characteristics and capabilities are almost completely consistent with Storm Shadow missiles.
In addition, according to WP, in one of the “secret US documents” released in April, US intelligence confirmed that London intends to transfer an undetermined number of Storm Shadow missiles to Kyiv, along with British personnel to help with targeting.
Storm Shadows can be installed on Soviet aircraft
According to the publication, Storm Shadow can be installed on Ukrainian Soviet-made jets. Their range allows them to reach the territory of Russia.
The United States has consistently refused to supply Ukraine with long-range weapons, such as ATACMS missiles for multiple launch rocket systems, citing fears that Ukraine would use them to strike at Russian territory. According to the Americans, this could lead to an escalation. However, they do not object to the transfer of long-range missiles by Britain.
“Each country makes its own sovereign decisions about what types of security assistance and equipment they provide,” said Pentagon spokesman Patrick Ryder.
For his part, the British official noted that London can afford such supplies, because “Russia doesn’t like us very much anyway.” He added that his country had previously taken the initiative to take certain steps before its allies for the first time, including training Ukrainian pilots. “We know that if we give something, it becomes easier for others,” the official said.
