UK affirms Ukraine's right to use donated weapons inside Russia

The UK's Ministry of Defence announced on August 15 that Ukrainian forces are permitted to use British-supplied weapons in operations on Russian territory, though the use of long-range Storm Shadow missiles remains restricted.

In recent weeks, Ukraine has launched its most significant foreign attack on Russian soil since World War II, Caliber.Az reports citing the foreign media.

According to a Ukrainian official, these actions aim to establish a buffer zone to safeguard Ukrainian civilians from further attacks.

Earlier in May, then-Foreign Secretary David Cameron affirmed Ukraine's right to use British-provided weapons to target locations within Russia. However, the UK government had not previously clarified the extent to which Ukrainian ground forces could employ these donated weapons within Russian borders.

A spokesperson for the Ministry of Defence elaborated on the policy, stating that Ukraine holds a "clear right of self-defense against Russia's illegal attacks," which encompasses operations inside Russia itself.

The spokesperson emphasized that all military equipment supplied by Britain, including tanks and anti-tank missiles, is intended for use in accordance with international law. This policy affirms that such equipment can be used as part of Ukraine's defense against the Russian invasion.

The UK Ministry of Defence has reaffirmed restrictions on the use of British-supplied long-range Storm Shadow missiles, which are limited to operations within Ukraine's internationally recognized borders.

Since August 6, Ukraine has reportedly reclaimed over 1,000 square kilometres (390 square miles) of Russian territory using drones, heavy artillery, and tanks. Russian President Vladimir Putin has labeled this offensive a "major provocation."

British sources indicate that Ukrainian forces may have deployed British Challenger 2 tanks within Russia, though the Ministry of Defence declined to comment on the specifics of tank usage inside Russian territory.

Since the onset of Russia's invasion in February 2022, the UK has committed 7.6 billion pounds ($9.77 billion) in military aid to Ukraine, including 14 Challenger 2 main battle tanks, along with armored vehicles, ammunition, air defence systems, electronic warfare equipment, and artillery.

Despite substantial military support, the UK, like other Western nations, has so far restricted the use of long-range weapons to avoid escalating the conflict. Russia has warned of potential repercussions if the UK permits Ukraine to strike Russian targets with British-supplied weaponry.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has reiterated calls for Western allies to lift restrictions on long-range missile strikes into Russia.