In London they are thinking about allowing Ukraine to fire British Storm Shadow missiles at targets deep into Russian territory.
The new British Foreign Secretary David Lemmy stated this in an interview with European Pravda.
Permission for Ukraine to attack the Russian Federation
So, when asked whether Ukraine could fire Storm Shadow missiles at Russian airports deep within the territory of the Russian Federation, David Lemmy replied that he supported Ukraine’s right to self-defense.
Now watching
— I heard what Mr. Zelensky said. He shared with us some thoughts that we are currently pondering. I repeat: I support Ukraine’s right to self-defense. “Especially now, after the brutal attack on a children’s hospital,” the minister noted.
The journalist noted that the US had only allowed long-range weapons to be used in border regions.
Foreign Secretary Lemmy noted that discussions with President Volodymyr Zelensky had continued in recent days, and the UK had committed to analysing and weighing some ideas.
— But I will not go into operational decisions, and there are very serious reasons for this, Lemmy said.
Possible threat of escalation due to permission to strike deep into Russia
David Lemmy said that he does not agree with the opinion of those allies who fear a possible escalation of the war if Ukraine begins to strike targets deep into Russia with Western weapons. According to the minister, delays in providing this or that weapon play against Ukraine.
— Putin poses a systemic risk to European security, so there must be unwavering support for Ukraine from the entire Alliance. Because if we allow dictators and authoritarian leaders to invade their smaller neighbors, and if Putin wins this battle, then I am afraid the security of the entire world community will be at risk, — he emphasized.
Keir Starmer on permission to fire Storm Shadow missiles at the Russian Federation
Earlier, new British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said that Ukraine itself decides how to use Storm Shadow missiles. However, he noted that everything must be in accordance with international humanitarian law for defense purposes. Starmer's predecessor also shared the same opinion — Rishi Sunak.
Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky responded to these words.
— In the morning (July 10, – Ed.) I read about permission to use Storm Shadow missiles against military targets in the Russian Federation. And today we had the opportunity to discuss the practical implementation of this decision,” said the head of state.
However, subsequently an article was published in The Telegraph, which noted that Great Britain still did not give permission to Ukraine to use Storm Shadows to strike Russia. Downing Street said the government's missile policy had not changed.
The British government allowed Kyiv to launch missiles at targets in Crimea and the occupied territories of Ukraine, but prohibited their use to hit targets in Russia.
Sources said Zelensky will have to look elsewhere for guarantees before Ukraine can launch cruise missiles into Russia. In addition, permission to launch a strategic missile against Russia will require the consent of three countries, one of which is Great Britain.
— This will not happen,” the source added, answering the question whether Ukraine will launch Storm Shadow to Russia.
Jamie Shea, a former NATO official, believes the Ukrainians should be able to retaliate against military targets.
