UK pushes allies to approve Ukraine's use of Storm Shadow missiles in Russia

British weapons can be used by Ukrainian forces inside mainland Russia, proceeding from the government’s policy.

The UK’s Ministry of Defence said its official position was unchanged from that of the previous government, confirming that Ukraine had a “clear right of self-defence against Russia’s illegal attacks … that does not preclude operations inside Russia”, Caliber.Az reports citing the foreign media.

Behind the scenes, ministers are trying to persuade allies to approve Ukraine’s use of Storm Shadow cruise missiles inside Russia. Governments have so far been reluctant to allow Ukraine to use long-range weapons that could in theory hit Russian towns and villages because of the risk of escalation.

Storm Shadows have a range of about 155 miles, triple the range of the missiles Ukraine has used up to now.

Earlier, Sir Keir Starmer told the Ukrainian president that British missiles can be used for defensive strikes against targets inside Russia.

Mr Starmer said the military aid would be used "in accordance with international humanitarian law".

He said: "It is for defensive purposes, but it is for Ukraine to decide how to deploy it for those defensive purposes. I don't mean to get into a discussion here, as you would imagine, all targeting that would be inappropriate, but that is the position."

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on August 12 that he had tasked officials and diplomats to present a list of necessary actions to obtain permission from its partners to use long-range weapons to protect Ukraine's territory.

The Kursk region was subjected to a massive attack from Ukraine on August 6. The Defence Ministry reported that Ukrainian forces attempted to breach the border using tanks and armoured vehicles. Four more drones were shot down over the region. Acting Governor of the Kursk region, Alexei Smirnov, stated that he had a phone conversation with the president during the night, briefing him on the situation in the region.