UK Leader Urges End to Embargo on Ukraine Using British Missiles to Target Russia
In a move that has sparked controversy, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has called for the ban on Ukraine using Storm Shadow missiles to strike targets in Russia to be lifted. The embargo, which has been in place since 2014, restricts Ukraine’s ability to purchase and use Western-made weapons, including the Storm Shadow cruise missile, which was previously used by the British military.
Johnson’s surprise announcement comes as tensions between Russia and Ukraine continue to escalate, with reports of Russian military buildup along the border and accusations of Russian involvement in eastern Ukraine’s conflict. The British Prime Minister, who has been a vocal critic of Russia’s actions in Ukraine, argues that lifting the embargo would send a strong message to Moscow that the international community will not tolerate further aggression.
"Russia’s actions in Ukraine are a clear breach of international law and a threat to regional stability," Johnson said in a statement. "By allowing Ukraine to use Storm Shadow missiles to defend itself, we can help to deter further aggression and show that we will not stand idly by while Russia continues to destabilize the region."
However, the move has been met with opposition from some European leaders and arms control advocates, who argue that lifting the embargo could destabilize the region further and potentially lead to an escalation of violence.
"This is a reckless and dangerous move that could have far-reaching consequences," said German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas. "We must work together to find peaceful solutions to the conflict in Ukraine, not make it worse by providing Ukraine with more advanced weapons."
The Storm Shadow missile, which is designed to strike targets deep behind enemy lines, is a significant escalation of the conflict. If used, it could potentially strike Russian military targets, including air defense systems and command centers, and could further escalate the conflict.
Ukraine’s military has been pushing for the use of Western-made weapons, including the Storm Shadow missile, to counter Russian aggression. However, the Ukrainian government has not publicly confirmed whether it would use the missile to strike targets in Russia if the embargo is lifted.
The United States has been critical of Ukraine’s request, arguing that the country should focus on negotiations with Russia rather than escalating the conflict. The US has provided Ukraine with significant military aid, including Javelin anti-tank missiles, but has resisted calls to provide more advanced weapons.
The Russian government has vowed to take action if Ukraine uses the Storm Shadow missile to strike targets in Russia. "If Ukraine decides to use Western weapons against us, we will respond accordingly," said Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. "We will not be intimidated or deterred by these threats."
As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen whether the British government will be able to convince other European leaders to lift the embargo. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s military is bracing for the possibility of further Russian aggression, and the international community is on high alert, waiting to see how the situation will develop.