Storm Shadow missile. Photo: inforesist.
The United Kingdom may have suspended the supply of Storm Shadow missiles to Ukraine, causing concern and disappointment among Ukrainian officials. This is reported by TimeUkraineIsrael portal with reference to Unian.
Missile shortage and strategic anticipation
Experts in the British defence sector claim that the UK’s stockpile of Storm Shadow missiles may be critically low. London is considering using these missiles for its own needs or waiting for the best time to supply them to Kyiv, when Ukraine receives permission to strike at Russian territory. Such an application would allow the missiles to be used more effectively.
Political factor: dependence on the US
The UK and France have so far restricted Ukraine’s use of Storm Shadow against Russia, fearing possible escalation. The current US administration has categorically refused to agree to such strikes, despite criticism from former British officials. For example, former UK Defence Secretary Grant Shepps called on the government to act independently and support Ukraine without looking to the United States. According to Shepps, further postponement of actions only “ties the hands” of Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression.
Ukraine-UK relations: new government, new challenges
According to The Guardian, relations between the UK and Ukraine have cooled markedly since the new government came to power. Ukrainian officials have expressed disappointment at the suspension of Storm Shadow supplies, which they consider critical to the continuation of effective combat operations.
However, the new UK Defence Secretary, John Healey, denied these allegations, saying that deliveries to Kyiv had accelerated. However, Healey did not confirm whether the Storm Shadow missiles were still being delivered.
Possible consequences for military support to Ukraine
The UK’s decision raises questions not only about future allied support for Ukraine, but also about the long-term stability of the European coalition. Ukraine remains dependent on precision weapons such as Storm Shadow to deter Russian attacks. The suspension of deliveries calls into question not only the effectiveness of defence, but also the confidence in the reliability of partners, including the UK.
