Britain has sent Storm Shadow cruise missiles to Ukraine ahead of Kyiv’s long-awaited counter offensive against Russian forces, the Defence Secretary revealed today.
The 620mph, air-to-surface weapon, which can fly just 130ft off the ground, is a long-range missile with stealth capabilities that can evade enemy radar defences.
The 2,900lb, 6ft 9ins missile, which is made jointly by Britain and France, can hit targets 155 miles away.
Confirming the UK had sent the missiles to Ukraine, Defence Secretary Ben Wallace told MPs: “This is a calibrated and proportionate response to Russia’s escalation.”
He insisted Moscow was to blame for the move, adding: “Russia must recognise that their actions alone have led to such systems being provided to Ukraine.”
Mr Wallace told the Commons 23,000 Ukrainians had been killed or wounded since Russia invaded on February 24 last year.
He outlined a string of atrocities carried out by Kremlin forces and updated MPs on the latest developments in the Battle for Bakhmut in eastern Ukraine.
Mr Wallace said Storm Shadow would help Ukraine defend itself and take on Russian forces as Kyiv prepares for its long-awaited counter-offensive.
“We have seen what Ukrainians can do when they have the right capabilities,” he said.
“Today, I can confirm that the UK is donating Storm Shadow missiles to Ukraine.
“Storm Shadow is a long-range, conventional-only, precision-strike capability. It complements the long-range systems already gifted.”
The deployment “gives Ukraine the best chance to defend themselves against Russia’s continued brutality”, claimed the Cabinet Minister.
Mr Wallace added: “The use of Storm Shadow will allow Ukraine to push back Russian forces based within Ukrainian sovereign territory.”
Shadow Defence Secretary John Healey told the Commons: “We welcome this vital military support, as the Ukrainians prepare for their expected counter-offensive.
“Today's announcement will strengthen Ukraine’s fight to repel Russian forces and to defend against brutal attacks.”
President Volodymyr Zelensky earlier warned his country still needs “a bit more time” before it launches its highly-anticipated counteroffensive.
Kyiv is desperate for more vital military gear pledged by Western allies to arrive to boost its forces before waging the attack.
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