Biden Considers Lifting Ban on UK Missiles for Ukraine's Use in Russia

US President Joe Biden is considering a significant policy shift regarding the use of British Storm Shadow missiles by Ukraine against Russian territory. This potential change comes in response to reports of Iran supplying Russia with ballistic missiles, which could be deployed in Ukraine within weeks.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy are scheduled to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on September 11, 2024, to discuss lifting restrictions on the use of these missiles. Following this, Biden and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer will further deliberate on the policy change during a White House summit on September 13, 2024.

The Storm Shadow, an Anglo-French air-launched cruise missile developed since 1994, has been a topic of discussion between the US and UK. With a range of approximately 560 km, these missiles have proven effective in stalling Russian advances within occupied Ukrainian territory, including Crimea.

British officials have been advocating for Ukraine to be granted permission to use long-range missiles, including Storm Shadows, inside Russia. However, the current policy restricts their use to Ukrainian territory due to concerns about escalation and the involvement of US technology in the missile systems.

Ukrainian officials, including Andriy Yermak, Zelensky's chief of staff, have expressed the need for permission to carry out strikes deep into Russia. They argue that such capability could disrupt Russian supply lines and enhance Ukraine's defensive capabilities.

"We also need permission to use Western weapons against military targets on the territory of the Russian Federation, deliveries of longer-range missiles, and strengthening our air defences."

The potential policy change has raised concerns among US officials, who argue that Storm Shadow missiles lack sufficient range to target Russian glide bombers, one of Ukraine's primary objectives. The Pentagon has expressed worries that using Western missiles inside Russia could lead to an escalation of the conflict.

The EU has also voiced alarm over Iran's delivery of long-range missiles to Russia. EU foreign affairs spokesman Peter Stano warned that such support for Russia's campaign against Ukraine would be met with a strong EU response.

As discussions continue, it's worth noting that the Storm Shadow missile has a rich history of combat use. First deployed during the 2003 invasion of Iraq, it has since been utilized in conflicts in Libya and Syria. The missile's advanced features, including low-altitude flight capabilities and a 450 kg BROACH warhead, make it a formidable weapon in modern warfare.

The outcome of these high-level discussions could significantly impact the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and potentially alter the strategic balance in the region.