British defence chief says UK won't aid Ukraine in attacking Russian targets

British Defence Minister John Healey announced that while Britain will not assist Ukraine in targeting Russian sites, the UK may permit Ukraine to use supplied weapons for such operations.

Healey stated that while the UK could approve a request from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to use British-made missiles for strikes on Russian territory, Britain itself will not be involved in these attacks, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

“We are supplying Ukraine with weapons to defend its sovereignty. While this does not preclude Ukraine from targeting sites in Russia, such actions must be carried out by the Ukrainians themselves and adhere to international humanitarian law,” Healey said.

Keir Starmer has previously suggested that Ukraine could use Storm Shadow missiles against Russian targets, but only for "defensive" purposes. Last week, the Prime Minister reaffirmed this stance, emphasizing that while the missiles are intended for defensive use, their deployment decisions rest with Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy plans to appeal to UK ministers during a cabinet meeting to use the Storm Shadow missiles against Russian targets. Additionally, he will urge European leaders to bolster the continent’s defence industrial base amid the possibility of a more isolationist second Trump administration.

Starmer is expected to assure Zelenskyy of increased UK efforts to combat the “phantom fleet” of tankers transporting Russian oil globally. The UK and Ukraine will also sign a defence export support treaty, including a £3.5 billion aid package for Ukraine’s military.

Defence Minister John Healey noted that the treaty will provide export finance to British companies to boost production for Ukraine and replenish UK stockpiles. "This reflects the reality that this is a war of industrial production as well as military engagement," Healey said.

In response to Zelenskyy’s appeal for protection of children returning to school, Starmer and Irish Taoiseach Simon Harris have shown interest in providing bomb shelters for schools.