London proposes granting permission for extensive strikes against Russia.
The current British administration has repeatedly voiced its solidarity with Ukraine, criticizing the Putin regime fiercely. It's been hinted that London might take a controversial step that other allies are reluctant to take: initiating long-range attacks.
In an interview with Voice of America, Foreign Secretary David Lammy suggested a forthcoming decision on launching strikes on Russian soil, with winter as the likely timeline. "I anticipate that in the near future and upcoming weeks, we'll be in a strong position to provide Ukraine with all the necessary resources as we approach the harsh winter of 2025," Lammy stated.
Lammy also expressed concerns about Putin's future. "His economy is struggling. Handling the casualties and losses he's incurred will be challenging for him," he stated, as reported by Voice of America. As the West moves from autumn to winter, it must show courage and unwavering resolve, according to the foreign minister.
Two weeks ago, British newspaper "The Guardian" reported, citing unnamed sources, that a decision had been made in London to permit the use of Storm Shadow cruise missiles on deep-seated Russian targets, although this won't be publicly acknowledged.
The authorization for long-range attacks against Russia is a matter requiring careful coordination amongst Western allies, with the US having significant influence. However, the US has lately expressed resistance to this approval. Ukraine has expressed interest in using longer-range ATACMS missiles from the US against Russian targets.
There have been conjectures that Ukraine may have used Western cruise missiles in its successful raids on Russian ammunition depots. "It's reasonable to assume that Ukraine has effectively utilized long-range weapons, possibly cruise missiles. These could also be Western cruise missiles, but we're speculating here, as there's no concrete evidence," military expert Colonel Reisner told ntv.de. Ukrainian-produced cruise missiles could also be involved.
Lammy takes Putin to task
The past few weeks have given the impression that Britain is the main advocate for the issue of long-range attacks on Russian territory. Such permission could allow Ukraine, according to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), to target over 200 strategically significant targets, thereby weakening the combat capabilities of the Kremlin's troops in relation to ATACMS missiles.
British Foreign Secretary Lammy recently delivered a powerful speech in the UN Security Council directly addressing the Kremlin leadership, stating: "Vladimir Putin, if you launch rockets into Ukrainian hospitals, we know who you are. If you dispatch mercenaries to African countries, we know who you are. If you assassinate opponents in European cities, we know who you are. Your invasion is driven by your own interests. Your interests alone. You aim to expand your criminal state into a criminal empire. An empire built on corruption that plunders both the Russian people and Ukraine."
The Commission, likely referring to the collective body of Western allies, is currently discussing the authorization for long-range attacks against Russia due to the controversial step suggested by the British administration. Following Lammy's speech in the UN Security Council, The Commission may find it necessary to take a firm stance against Putin's actions, demonstrating unity and solidarity with Ukraine.
