Britain might be permitting extended assaults against Russia.
For several months, Ukraine has been aiming to utilize long-range weaponry against targets situated deeply within Russia. As per a report, the United Kingdom has now made a decision: Storm-Shadow missiles can be employed for this specific purpose. There's a possibility that the United States will follow suit with their ATACMS. This would be a significant development for Kyiv.
British news outlet "The Guardian" has reported that Britain has chosen to allow the use of Storm-Shadow cruise missiles against targets within Russia. However, this decision will not be publicly announced during British Prime Minister Keir Starmer's meeting with US President Joe Biden in Washington on Friday.
On Wednesday, British Foreign Secretary David Lammy and his American counterpart Antony Blinken were already in Kyiv with President Selenskyj. According to sources from "The Guardian", this meeting would not have taken place if a positive decision regarding Storm Shadow had not been made. As a result, there was no public announcement in Kyiv to avoid unnecessary provocation.
Blinken allegedly stated in Kyiv that the delivery of ballistic missiles by Iran to Russia had altered strategic thinking in London and Washington. Lammy did not want to disclose details of private discussions that could benefit Putin. The Institute for War Studies (ISW) had previously suggested that weapon deliveries should not be announced in advance to maintain a sense of surprise and better combat Russian aggression.
America's approval seems imminent
Recent signs indicate that the United States may also modify its stance and allow Ukraine to attack Russian territory using ATACMS long-range missiles. In Kyiv, Blinken stated that they were working diligently to ensure that Ukraine has all the necessary resources to defend itself effectively.
US President Biden has also become more explicit recently. The US government is reportedly "working" on approving the use of long-range weapons delivered to Ukraine for attacks on Russian territory, he said in response to a journalist's question.
According to the ISW, over 200 targets are within the range of the ATACMS long-range missiles. These targets include major military bases, communication stations, logistics centers, repair facilities, fuel depots, ammunition storage sites, and headquarters.
However, air force units responsible for devastating attacks with guided bombs have already been moved further inland. This could be due to Russia's expectation of a green light for attacks with long-range missiles. Nevertheless, Ukraine could put considerable logistical and operational pressure on the Russian military by attacking other targets, according to the ISW's analysis.
The British decision to utilize Storm-Shadow missiles against Russian targets has been influenced by the delivery of ballistic missiles by Iran to Russia. With the US government reportedly working on approving the use of long-range weapons delivered to Ukraine for attacks on Russian territory, the supply of arms for Ukraine to defend itself effectively is becoming increasingly crucial.
