Espreso. Global

Former British Defense Minister urges UK government to approve Ukraine's use of Storm Shadow missiles on Russian soil

Lina Mostavlyuk
8 September, 2024 Sunday
13:31

Former British Secretary of State for Defence Grant Shapps has called on Prime Minister Keir Starmer's government to remove the restriction preventing Ukraine from using Storm Shadow missiles on Russian territory

client/title.list_title

Shapps made this statement during an interview with The Sunday Times.

"Given how Putin targets men, women, and children with guided bombs launched from Russian soil, the UK must immediately approve the use of our long-range weapons inside Russia," Shapps insisted.

According to the former defense minister, restricting Ukraine from using British weapons where they would be most effective diminishes the UK's credibility as an ally.

"It’s time to stop asking President Zelenskyy's brave people to fight with their hands tied. Britain should instead deliver a direct warning to Putin: if you continue to kill civilians with bombs from Russia, we will enable Ukraine to target your launch sites — wherever they are, even inside Russia," Shapps added.

He stressed that the war in Ukraine isn’t just about Ukraine — it’s about the global community.

"This isn't just Ukraine’s fight, it's about protecting our way of life. Our imperfect system of self-government may be frustrating at times, but it’s the same system that allows voters to hold parties accountable for inefficiency," he stated.

Shapps urged the UK to reassert its leadership by permitting the use of Storm Shadow missiles, bringing in France, the U.S., and Germany — whom he referred to as the "most cautious partner" — to back Ukraine's efforts. He suggested delivering Putin a clear ultimatum: "Stop attacking Ukraine, or we will support Ukraine’s right to strike back."

"Freedom, democracy, and elections are concepts Putin loathes, but we are stronger because we accept elections, even when they don’t favor us. This isn’t just about Ukraine’s right to self-determination — it’s about defending freedom everywhere. This is a fight for the right to be a political loser," Shapps concluded.

  • On Friday, September 6, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived at Ramstein Air Base in Germany for the 24th meeting of the Contact Group on Ukraine’s Defense. Zelenskyy pointed out the continued lack of ATACMS, Storm Shadow, and SCALP long-range missiles for defending occupied Ukrainian territories, including Crimea. He reiterated that Ukraine needs these missiles not only to reclaim its land but also to strike Russian targets to pressure Moscow into peace talks.


 

Tags:
Read also:
  • News
2024, Tuesday
8 October
15:14
French military prepares for key test against Russia
14:56
Russia attacks Ukraine's Kherson region with drones, artillery: one killed, one injured
14:39
Polish farmers may resume truck traffic blockade at Ukrainian border
14:16
Estonia intends to recognize deportation of Crimean Tatars as act of genocide
13:55
“Ratio of forces almost 1:9”: Ukraine's 72nd Brigade commander on withdrawal from Vuhledar
13:38
EU rolls out new sanctions to curb Russia’s destabilizing actions abroad
13:17
Vatican elevates Ukrainian-born bishop to cardinal in support of Ukraine
12:55
South Korea's Defense Ministry warns DPRK may deploy troops to Ukraine to support Russia
12:37
Exclusive
Unclear why Ukraine leaves working industrial facilities for Russia – expert Sniehyriov
12:16
Taiwan’s President: “Impossible” for communist China to be our motherland
11:57
Russia strikes Kharkiv city center with KAB bomb: 11 wounded, including a teen
11:47
OPINION
Russia has covert strategy
11:27
172 combat clashes on Russian-Ukrainian frontline: Russia fires 4,420 times at Ukrainian positions and civilian areas
10:59
Russia strikes Palau-flagged civilian ship in Odesa: one dead, five injured
10:43
Exclusive
Ukraine strikes largest Russian oil terminal in Feodosia, says military expert
10:22
Russia loses air defense system, 7 tanks and 1,340 soldiers in one day of war in Ukraine
09:58
Harris says she will not agree to talks with Putin on Ukraine without Kyiv's participation
09:38
Exclusive
Russian subversive reconnaissance groups raid frontline towns disguised as Ukrainian army
2024, Monday
7 October
21:00
Russia’s S-400 lack or failure: Defense Express analyzes Ukraine’s attack on oil depot in Crimea
20:41
OPINION
Russian bear has been totally sold to Chinese panda
20:20
Review
Mounting Russian drone attacks on Ukraine: enemy capabilities and Ukrainian countermeasures
20:00
Russian military targets Sloviansk in Donetsk region, wounding 5 people, including 2-year-old toddler
19:42
Overview of Russia's budget state
19:22
Exclusive
Ukrainian military: Pokrovsk direction is top priority for Putin, Kurakhove is up next
19:05
Russia won because of its gigantic territory
18:49
Ukraine's military intelligence disables Russian Baltic Fleet ship Alexander Obukhov
18:35
Ukrainian cyber specialists attack Russian judicial system - media
18:20
Russia sentences 72-year-old American for fighting for Ukraine
18:05
What sets Dutch F-16s apart as they join Ukraine’s Air Force?
17:48
Russia attacks Ukrainian seaport, damaging civilian ship
17:30
Ukraine won't extend gas transit from Russia, says PM Shmyhal
17:14
Ukraine integrates NATO gender equality standards into Armed Forces
16:55
Ukraine’s 3rd Brigade retakes positions in Kharkiv region, frees captive Ukrainian soldiers
16:36
Russian losses in Ukraine war reach record levels in September — UK intelligence
16:16
Fico says Slovakia is “cool” towards Ukraine's NATO membership
15:54
Ukrainian hackers attack Kremlin's state TV broadcasters
15:30
Updated
Russia attacks Ukraine with guided bombs, explosions leave 20 injured, including 2 children
15:16
Russia charges 14 foreign journalists for illegal border crossings
14:55
Exclusive
Can F-16s counter Russian guided bomb launches: aviation expert explains
14:35
Infographics
Bomb to long-range weapon: what are AGM-154 JSOWs and why they are important for Ukraine
More news