UKRAINE – NEWS
The UK has supplied the Ukrainian military with an unspecified number of Storm Shadow missiles with a range of 250 kilometres, CNN sources have said. The subsonic cruise missiles, launched from combat aircraft, could significantly increase the Ukrainian armed forces’ destructive capability ahead of an expected counterattack.
The purpose of the delivery is to enable Ukraine to hit Russian targets deep behind the front lines in the occupied part of eastern Ukraine, which could be crucial for a successful counteroffensive.
“In terms of range, these missiles have the potential to be a game-changer,” a senior US administration official told CNN on condition of anonymity.
The Ukrainians have been asking for long-range weapons since the Russian invasion began. So far, they have had missiles with the longest range of about 80 kilometres.
The information about the delivery of Storm Shadow cruise missiles came during the anticipation of a long-announced spring counteroffensive by the Ukrainian military. Kiev officials have repeatedly stated that the army command is preparing a counter-offensive, but during a recent interview with European media, President Volodymyr Zelenski made it clear that they need “some more time” to prepare.
Russia's response
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, during a conference call with reporters, condemned the UK’s move, promising an “adequate response” from the Russian military.
“This will require an adequate response from our military, which will naturally make appropriate decisions with this in mind,” Peskov added.
Source: cnn.com
