Ukraine launched British-made 'Storm Shadow' missiles to target military sites deep within Russian territory.

 

Following US missile strikes, Ukraine has launched British-made 'Storm Shadow' missiles to target military sites deep within Russian territory.

This action represents a significant escalation in the conflict, now in its 1,000th day. The decision to deploy these long-range cruise missiles is believed to be in response to Russia's use of North Korean troops in support of its military operations, a move that Western officials have criticized as a dangerous escalation.

This marks the first time Ukraine has employed British-supplied cruise missiles outside its borders. Previously, the UK had authorized their use only within Ukraine. The decision to allow these missiles to be used against Russian targets is said to be a response to Moscow's increasing reliance on unconventional allies and tactics.

Reports indicate that the missile strikes targeted military locations in Russia's Kursk region and intercepted others over the Black Sea city of Yeysk, as detailed by Russian military-affiliated channels. Just prior to these reported strikes, US President Joe Biden greenlit the use of Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) by Ukraine to target Russian positions. These US weapons were recently used to attack a Russian arsenal in Bryansk.

While Washington has disregarded Moscow's warnings of nuclear escalation as mere talk, global concerns have been raised by Russia's updated nuclear doctrine. This doctrine allows for a nuclear response to any large-scale aerial assault or threat to Russia's sovereignty, aligning with Putin's efforts to showcase his country's nuclear capabilities.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has been actively seeking Western assistance, stressing the importance of targeting Russian logistics hubs for Ukraine's defense. Zelenskyy has criticized previous limitations on the use of advanced Western weapons, arguing that these restrictions have encouraged Moscow to conduct destructive airstrikes on Ukrainian cities.

With Joe Biden's term ending in two months, President-elect Donald Trump has promised to prioritize ending the conflict. However, the specifics of Trump's plan remain unclear, and both sides seem committed to strengthening their positions before potential negotiations.