Ukraine is preparing to change its war strategy by deploying long-range cruise missiles capable of striking deep within Russian territory. Previously, Ukraine’s missile use was limited to its own territory, where Russian forces had invaded. However, this new development signals a significant escalation in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, with Moscow ramping up missile attacks and Kyiv responding with drone strikes.
Recent reports indicate that the United Kingdom, a NATO member, has authorized Ukraine’s use of the Storm Shadow cruise missile against Russian targets. This move is likely to provoke a strong reaction from Moscow and push the boundaries of the ongoing conflict.
In response to NATO’s increased support for Ukraine, Russia has warned that it may need to reassess its nuclear doctrine due to the West’s growing involvement in the war. The use of advanced weaponry like the Storm Shadow marks a turning point, as Ukraine may now be allowed to target areas beyond its borders with Western-made arms.
The Storm Shadow missile, co-developed by the UK and France, is a low-observable, long-range air-launched weapon with a range of about 500 km. Although Ukraine has already integrated these missiles into its aircraft, such as the Soviet-era Su-24 bombers, their use has so far been confined to Ukrainian territory.
There is still ambiguity regarding how the export of Storm Shadow missiles to Ukraine aligns with the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR). This international agreement, which the UK helped establish, restricts the export of missiles with a range greater than 300 km and a payload exceeding 500 kg. While the Storm Shadow’s warhead is under 500 kg, its range surpasses MTCR limits.
