Originally published May 12, 2023 1:48 am PDT
The missile is a “game changer,” according to military official.
QUICK FACTS:
- The UK has given Ukraine Storm Shadow cruise missiles, said to be a “real game changer from a range perspective,” according to a senior US military official commenting on the provision.
- The missile was created in the 1990s by the UK and France, its capabilities allowing it to strike targets up to 200 miles away.
- According to CNN, the UK “received assurances” that the missiles will only be used “within Ukrainian sovereign territory and not inside Russia.”
- Britain’s Defence Minister Ben Wallace explained to Parliament that Russia “must recognize that its actions alone have led to such systems being provided.”
- UK leaders reportedly hope their provision of military materials will encourage the United States to also supply Ukraine with long-range equipment.
- Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov commented on the situation, saying the UK’s arrangements for long-range missiles “will require a relevant response from our military, which, of course, will make appropriate decisions from a military point of view.”
U.S. CONCERNS:
- The United States currently does not intend to provide Ukraine with long-range weapons.
- US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated at a news conference that Ukraine has what it needs “to continue to be successful in regaining territory.”
- Ukraine President Zelensky has asserted the country is still in need of “some things” in order to be successful against Russia.
- The Pentagon has also expressed concerns that U.S. stockpiles of longer-range ATACMS may be exhausted should the US send the missiles to Ukraine.
BACKGROUND:
- Ukraine is set to receive another $1.2 billion from the United States.
- The aid is said to be used for air defense equipment, ammunition, satellite imaging, and spare parts.
- The aid will not come from current Pentagon stock but from purchases using taxpayer dollars.
