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

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.