Ukraine launches UK's Storm Shadow missiles at Russia; Will it be able to slow Moscow's advance? (2024)

In a significant development, Ukraine has reportedly deployed UK-supplied Storm Shadow missiles to strike targets inside Russian territory for the first time, according to multiple reports, including the BBC. Previously restricted to using these long-range weapons within its borders, Ukraine’s latest move follows recent US authorization to utilize its ATACMS missiles for cross-border strikes.

The reported strikes come amid heightened tensions and increasing reliance on Western-supplied weaponry as Kyiv continues to push back against Russian aggression.

Key Developments

First Use of Storm Shadow Missiles in Russia

A Russian military blogger claimed on Telegram that up to 12 Storm Shadow missiles were launched on Wednesday at targets in Russia's Kursk region, with fragments of the missile reportedly found in the village of Marino, about 35 miles from the Ukrainian border.

Weapons expert Trevor Ball, a former senior explosive ordnance technician for the US Army, reviewed the fragments and confirmed their origins as part of the Storm Shadow missile system. However, CNN and the BBC noted they were unable to verify the exact timing or location of the strikes.

Ukraine's Defense Minister Rustem Umerov neither confirmed nor denied the use of Storm Shadow missiles during a press briefing. “We are using all the means to defend our country, so we’ll not go into detail. But we are just sending that we are capable and able to respond,” Umerov stated.

Escalation With ATACMS Strikes

This move comes just a day after Ukraine used US-supplied ATACMS missiles to target an ammunition depot in Russia's Bryansk region, with US officials confirming the strike’s success. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said, “Ukraine has long-range capabilities. We now have ATACMS, and we will use all of this.”

Western Reactions and Caution

UK Defense Secretary John Healey responded cautiously, avoiding direct confirmation of the missile use. Speaking in the Commons, he said, “Ukraine’s action on the battlefield speaks for itself.” Similarly, the US State Department’s spokesperson Matthew Miller declined to comment on whether the US provided guidance for these operations, stating, “I won’t speak publicly to the use of another country’s weapons.”

What is the Storm Shadow Missiles

Developed jointly by the UK and France, Storm Shadow missiles are advanced long-range cruise weapons with a maximum range of approximately 250 km (155 miles). Known for their precision and ability to penetrate hardened targets like bunkers and ammunition depots, these missiles are launched from aircraft, flying low to evade detection before delivering a high-explosive payload.

Previously used in conflicts in Iraq, Libya, and the Gulf, Storm Shadow missiles are considered an ideal weapon for countering fortified positions. Each missile costs nearly $1 million, making their deployment strategic and sparing.

The UK first supplied Storm Shadow missiles to Ukraine in 2022. Until now, their use had been confined to operations within Ukrainian territory.

Strategic Implications

Experts believe the use of these long-range weapons signals a turning point in Ukraine’s military strategy. While the supply of Storm Shadow missiles remains limited, their psychological and tactical impact is significant. Deborah Haynes, Sky News' security and defense editor, noted, “Ukraine’s stockpile of Storm Shadow missiles is severely limited, so their use will only have a marginal effect.”

Nonetheless, their deployment inside Russian territory underscores Ukraine’s growing confidence and capability to disrupt Russian logistics and infrastructure deep behind enemy lines.

Risks of Escalation

Russia has called the use of Western-supplied long-range missiles an escalation. Following the US approval for ATACMS use, Russian President Vladimir Putin reportedly revised the country’s nuclear policy, lowering the threshold for the potential deployment of nuclear weapons.

Analysts warn that this could further intensify the war, which has already crossed 1,000 days, causing devastating human and financial tolls. Matthew Savill, director of military science at RUSI, told the BBC, “Russia is prepared for these strikes, and while their impact might be psychological, they are unlikely to turn the tide of the conflict.”

Western Commitment to Ukraine

Despite the risks, Western allies continue to back Ukraine’s efforts. Speaking at the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer reaffirmed the country’s commitment, stating, “The UK will ensure Ukraine has what is needed for as long as needed.”

Similarly, the US has recently approved additional support measures, including the provision of anti-personnel landmines to hinder Russian troop movements.

Ukraine’s deployment of Storm Shadow missiles inside Russia represents a bold step in its ongoing counteroffensive, enabled by Western-supplied weaponry. While the strikes are unlikely to decisively shift the war’s trajectory, they reflect Kyiv’s determination to leverage advanced capabilities against an entrenched adversary. As the conflict intensifies, the international community remains on edge, closely monitoring the potential for further escalation.