Ukraine will outline plans to use Storm Shadow in conjunction with “other weapons of destruction” as part of its renewed diplomatic efforts to gain permission from Britain and other Western allies to launch strikes deep inside Russia.
“By the way, as the course of the current war already shows, Russia understands only significant forces and losses,” the adviser added.
Kyiv has asked both Britain and France to lift restrictions on Storm Shadow and its French sister model Scalp-EG. Zelensky has also repeatedly asked Washington for the US-donated Atacms ballistic missiles, which are intended for use against targets deep inside Russia.
It is expected that London, Paris and Rome, whose companies are involved in the production of the missile, will have to sign off on any decision regarding Storm Shadow.
A British military source said the US was the real obstacle as it blocked Russia from implementing a “key requirement” for the launch of Storm Shadow.
Germany refused to hand over the Taurus missile
Germany refused to deliver its own Taurus cruise missile and on Saturday it announced that it was freezing all military aid to Ukraine.
Defense Minister Boris Pistorius had drawn up a wish list for additional military supplies to Ukraine worth four billion euros. However, a letter from the Ministry of Finance made it clear to him that no additional money would be released due to the necessary cuts in federal spending.
European states are also hesitant to act without an agreement with the United States that would provide them with diplomatic and military protection for any decision they take.
Sabrina Singh, a U.S. Defense Department spokeswoman, acknowledged last week that Washington was “concerned about escalation” because of Ukraine’s long-range attacks.
A British government spokeswoman said: “The UK’s position has not changed. We have provided military assistance to Ukraine to support its clear right to self-defence against Russia’s illegal attacks, in accordance with international humanitarian law.”
“It is clear to us that the equipment supplied by the UK is intended for the defence of Ukraine.”
