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Britain prepares to send long-range missiles to Ukraine, - WP

May 9, 2023

The United Kingdom, which prided itself on being ahead of its Western allies in supplying new weapons systems to Ukraine, now appears poised to send Kyiv the long-range missiles the Biden administration has long denied it.

This was reported by The Washington Post.

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According to the publication, in a message about the procurement, posted on May 2, the British Ministry of Defense asked "to express interest" in providing strike capabilities with a range of up to 300 kilometers. The message offered answers within three days.

No final decision has been made, according to a British official who declined to confirm the type, timing or quantity of weapons under consideration.

But the communication is a significant step toward Britain supplying such munitions itself, and the requested characteristics and capabilities almost match its Storm Shadow air-launched cruise missiles.

It is noted that Ukraine has long asked Western countries for longer-range missiles, arguing that such weapons could change the course of the war by allowing its forces to target Russian command centers, supply lines, munitions and fuel storage facilities deep in Crimea and the occupied east.

Storm Shadows missiles can be mounted on Soviet-made Ukrainian fighters and reach Russian territory.

So, the fear that Ukraine would launch missiles at Russian targets is the main reason why the administration has repeatedly rejected Ukraine's request to supply it with long-range munitions.

Although U.S. policy remains unchanged, Pentagon officials did not express concern when asked about the prospect of Britain sending long-range missiles to Ukraine.

The publication recalls that among the classified U.S. documents that penetrated the network via the Discord platform, it was reported that the UK intended to send an uncertain number of Storm Shadow missiles to Ukraine along with personnel to help with training.

In addition, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak previously stated during the Munich Security Conference that "the United Kingdom will be the first to provide Ukraine with longer-range missiles”.

Author – Anastasiya Glotova, 09/05/2023

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