The British Ministry of Defence announced on Thursday that Ukrainian forces are permitted to use British weapons in operations on Russian territory, with the exception of long-range Storm Shadow missiles. Over the past two weeks, Ukraine has executed the most significant attack on Russian soil since World War II, aiming to establish a buffer zone to safeguard its citizens from potential assaults.
Former British Foreign Minister David Cameron asserted in May that Ukraine had the right to use British-supplied arms to target Russian locations. However, this is the first official statement regarding the use of such weapons by Ukrainian ground forces within Russia. A spokesperson for the Ministry of Defence emphasized Ukraine's 'clear right of self-defence against Russia's illegal attacks,' clarifying that this right extends to operations inside Russia.
The spokesperson also noted that all equipment is provided with the stipulation that it must be used in accordance with international law. This policy allows for the deployment of British tanks, anti-tank missiles, and other military gear inside Russia, as part of Ukraine's defensive measures against the Russian invasion. However, the use of British-supplied long-range Storm Shadow missiles remains restricted to within Ukraine's internationally recognized borders.
Ukraine claims to have seized over 1,000 square kilometers of Russian territory since August 6, utilizing drones, heavy artillery, and tanks. Russian President Vladimir Putin described this action as a 'major provocation.' A British source suggested that Ukrainian forces have employed British Challenger 2 tanks on Russian soil, though the Ministry of Defence has not confirmed this.
Since the onset of the Russian invasion in February 2022, Britain has committed £7.6 billion in military aid to Ukraine, including main battle tanks, armored vehicles, ammunition, and various defense systems. Despite this, Western governments, including Britain, have withheld permission for Ukraine to use long-range weapons due to concerns about escalating the conflict. Russia has warned of retaliatory measures if Britain facilitates attacks on its territory with British weapons. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has repeatedly called on Western allies to authorize long-range missile strikes into Russia.
