UK sends more Storm Shadow missiles to Ukraine as Washington pushes to halt Russian oil strikes - Bloomberg
The United Kingdom is sending additional long-range Storm Shadow cruise missiles to Ukraine to help disrupt Russian military operations targeting civilian infrastructure ahead of winter, Bloomberg reported on October 15, citing people familiar with the matter.
The resupply was discussed by British Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during the latter's visit to London on October 14. The shipment has not been publicly announced, and the number of missiles involved remains undisclosed.
According to Bloomberg's sources, London considers Ukrainian long-range strikes against Russian facilities involved in attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure to be defensive operations.
The British position contrasts with that of the Trump administration, which has pressed Kyiv to stop attacking Russian oil refineries.
The sources said Britain does not believe Ukraine should halt strikes on Russian territory while Moscow continues attacking Ukraine.
Russia has increased production of jet-powered drones and missiles in recent weeks, intensifying attacks on Ukrainian cities and infrastructure, the sources added.
The British government declined to comment.
The UK has supplied Storm Shadow missiles to Ukraine since 2023. The air-launched cruise missiles have a range exceeding 250 kilometers (155 miles) and can strike targets deep behind enemy lines.
In August, Burnham announced that Britain would share long-range missile blueprints with Ukraine to support domestic production, although implementing the plans was expected to take time.
London is also developing lower-cost long-range weapons that Ukraine could use without relying on U.S. components or data.