The UK has not sent any long-range Storm Shadow missiles to Ukraine for several months, likely due to its low stockpiles and a desire to use them more effectively, The Times reported on Sunday, citing sources. An unnamed Ukrainian official told the paper at the time that one of the most significant signs of the shift was the lack of any new deliveries of Storm Shadow missiles for use in Crimea or other Russian regions that Kiev claims as its own. As it stands, Ukraine is barred by its backers from using Western-made long-range missiles for strikes deep into Russia. UK defense sources told The Times that the Labour Party’s stance on the matter likely stems from the fact that “UK stockpiles have reached a level below which military chiefs are not prepared to go,” as some missiles must be kept in reserve to protect London’s own interests. Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that if the West reverses its policy on long-range strikes, this “would change the very nature of the conflict” and would be tantamount to the direct involvement of NATO in the conflict.
