Recent reports suggest that the United Kingdom, a prominent NATO member, has authorized Ukraine to use Storm Shadow cruise missiles against Russian territories. This move could significantly escalate the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Strategic Shift in Ukraine’s War Efforts
Ukraine is poised to alter its military strategy by employing long-range Storm Shadow missiles to strike deep within Russian territory. Previously, Ukraine’s missile use had been confined to its own territory, targeting Russian military positions within its borders. This strategic shift, if realized, could push Moscow’s red lines and intensify the conflict.
Storm Shadow Missiles Overview
The Storm Shadow is a low-observable, long-range air-launched cruise missile, developed jointly by the United Kingdom and France. With a range of approximately 500 km, it has been integrated into Ukrainian fighter aircraft, including the Su-24 bombers from the Soviet era. Developed in 1994 and manufactured by MBDA Systems, the Storm Shadow—known as SCALP-EG in France—has a warhead capacity of less than 500 kg, although its range exceeds the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) limits, which restrict exports of missiles with a range greater than 300 km.
The authorization for Ukraine to use these missiles comes despite MTCR regulations. The MTCR, an informal agreement among member states, does not always enforce its restrictions strictly, leading to potential exceptions like this one.
Potential Fallout and International Reactions
The clearance for Ukraine to use Storm Shadow missiles could provoke a substantial response from Russia. Moscow has already indicated a possible revision of its nuclear doctrine due to the perceived escalation by Western nations. Russian officials have expressed concerns that increased Western involvement could lead to a reassessment of Russia’s nuclear policy.
President Vladimir Putin’s current nuclear doctrine, established four years ago, permits the use of nuclear weapons in response to nuclear attacks or severe conventional threats to the state’s existence. However, recent developments have prompted Russia to consider updating this doctrine in response to Western actions.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov has highlighted the need for changes to Russia’s nuclear policy due to the “challenges and threats” posed by Western nations. The specifics of the updated doctrine remain undisclosed, but the potential for a revised nuclear stance underscores the heightened risks in the ongoing conflict.
Sources By Agencies
