Ukraine Uses UK Missiles Against Russia

Here is the Polis Press Review, combining our analysis of the media headlines that have dominated the last week in 5 minutes. We do things differently at Polis Analysis to the mainstream media. Our experts have analysed what this week's media headlines mean for our readers so read on to know what is happening beneath the week's news stories.

This week's Polis Press Review focuses on Ukraine's first use of British-made Storm Shadow missiles inside Russian territory, marking a significant escalation in the nearly three-year conflict. ??

The Strike:

Multiple sources confirm that Ukraine has fired UK-made Storm Shadow missiles into Russia, targeting what is believed to be a command headquarters in the village of Maryno in the Kursk region. The strike reportedly aimed at facilities being used by North Korean and Russian officers, coming in response to the recent deployment of North Korean troops along Russia's border with Ukraine. ??

Political Reactions:

Russia's Ambassador to the UK, Andrei Kelin, told Sky News that Britain is now "directly involved" in the war, stating: "This firing cannot happen without NATO staff, British staff as well." He called it "deliberate cheating," claiming he had received multiple assurances the missiles would only be used within Ukrainian territory. ?

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer defended the support as legal and proportionate, telling Parliament: "The UK's support for Ukraine is always for self-defence... It is proportionate, coordinated and agile, and a response to Russia's own actions, and it is in accordance with international law." He emphasised that "we will not be deterred or distracted by reckless threats."

Escalation Context:

The decision to approve Storm Shadow strikes inside Russia came after the US authorized similar use of its ATACMS missiles. President Putin responded by signing a revised nuclear doctrine lowering the threshold for using nuclear weapons and warning of retaliation against Western military facilities that allow their weapons to be used against Russian targets. ??

The Storm Shadow, with a range of about 155 miles (250km), represents a significant capability upgrade for Ukraine. However, Western officials have specifically indicated they are targeting the North Korean military buildup in the Kursk region and infrastructure that could support a potential 50,000-strong offensive. ??

This escalation raises serious questions about potential Russian responses and the risk of wider conflict. While Western leaders dismiss Putin's nuclear threats as rhetoric, the introduction of long-range Western missiles into Russian territory marks a new phase in the war's evolution. ??

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