US, UK secretly approve Ukraine’s long-range missile strikes on Russian targets British media claims

The United States and the United Kingdom have covertly granted Ukraine permission to use long-range missiles to target facilities behind Russian lines, though this authorization has not been officially announced.

Sources cited by British media indicate that while London and Washington have agreed to allow Ukraine to deploy these advanced missiles, they are not yet prepared to make a formal announcement, Caliber.Az reports.

The missile deployment is expected to be part of a larger strategy aimed at bringing an end to the ongoing conflict.

Western officials have emphasized that the use of these missiles should be integrated into a comprehensive plan for de-escalation of the full-scale war.

U.S. President Joe Biden has rejected Russian President Vladimir Putin's claim that the use of Storm Shadow missiles against Russian targets would effectively constitute the beginning of a NATO war with Russia.

For months, Ukraine has been requesting authorization from the U.S. and the UK to use Western long-range missiles against targets and airbases situated behind Russian lines. However, both governments have previously resisted granting this permission due to concerns about potentially escalating the conflict.

On September 13, President Biden and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer held a meeting at the White House to discuss the potential authorization for Ukrainian strikes on Russian rear positions. Prior to the meeting, White House National Security Advisor John Kirby reaffirmed that the U.S. restrictions remain in place and will not be lifted.

Following the talks, Starmer indicated that no final decision has yet been reached regarding the authorization.

Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin warned that granting such authorization would equate to direct NATO involvement in the Ukraine conflict. He stated, "If this decision is made, it will signify the direct participation of NATO countries, including the United States and European nations, in the war in Ukraine."