After allowing the use of “Atakum” missiles, the administration of US President Joe Biden agreed to allow the British long-range “Storm Shadow” missiles to launch strikes deep into Russian territory.”
The Times newspaper reported that “British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and members of his government will not make official statements about the long-range Storm Shadow missiles for what they called “practical reasons,” so as not to give Russia a “strategic advantage on the battlefield.”
Starmer’s colleagues told the newspaper, “Approving missile strikes with Storm Shadow missiles deep into Russian territory will not change the course of the conflict in Ukraine.”
In turn, former British Defense Minister Ben Wallace expressed the opinion that “the use of these missiles against Russia will send a “strong signal,” in addition to the fact that Germany’s transfer of “Taurus” missiles to Kiev will also be more important.”
Bloomberg, citing a Western official, reported on Wednesday that “the Ukrainian armed forces used long-range British Storm Shadow missiles for the first time to strike deep inside Russia.”
The newspaper said: “For the first time, the Ukrainian armed forces launched British winged missiles at military targets inside Russian territory,” referring to the long-range “Storm Shadow” missiles.
On November 17, the New York Times reported, “US President Joe Biden allowed strikes from Ukrainian territory deep into Russian territory with American Atakum missiles.”
Yesterday, the Russian Ministry of Defense reported that “the Ukrainian armed forces attacked the territory of the Bryansk region with “Atakum” missiles, and the Russian “Pantsir” and “S-400” systems shot down five of them, while others were damaged.”
In response to this, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said in a press conference following his participation in the G20 summit, “The strikes carried out by the Ukrainian armed forces on the Bryansk region with Atakum missiles indicate the West’s desire for escalation.”
Erdogan: Biden’s decision to allow Ukraine to strike the Russian depths is wrong and will escalate tensions
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed his opposition to Washington’s decision to allow Kiev to target Russian depth with American missiles, describing it as incorrect and will lead to further escalation.
Erdogan said: “First, we do not consider this decision correct and do not agree with it. From the beginning of the Ukrainian-Russian war, we believed that it would not end with more weapons, blood and tears, but rather with more peace efforts, goodwill and diplomacy. Now Mr. Biden has taken a step that can be interpreted as aiming to inflame the war and ensure that it continues without end or even expands.”
He continued: “Biden’s move will not only lead to an escalation of the conflict, but will also lead to a greater reaction from Russia,” noting that Russian President Vladimir Putin yesterday approved a nuclear doctrine that allows his country to respond with nuclear weapons if it is exposed to a ballistic missile attack, and the Turkish leader said. “All of this could put the region and the world on the brink of a new major war.”
He added: “We expect and hope that the Ukrainian and Russian sides will focus on peace and calm and not be drawn into provocations, because committing the slightest mistake or submitting to provocation (under these circumstances) would be like throwing fire into a powder keg.” Therefore, I advise everyone to be careful.”
Last updated: November 21, 2024 – 12:54
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What impact could the approval of long-range missiles have on the military strategies of both Ukraine and Russia in their ongoing conflict?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Defense Expert
Editor: Welcome to Time.news. Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Lisa Thompson, a defense analyst and former military strategist with extensive experience in European security dynamics. Dr. Thompson, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Thompson: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here.
Editor: Let’s dive right in. Recently, the Biden administration granted approval for the use of long-range “Storm Shadow” missiles by the Ukrainian armed forces to strike deep into Russian territory. What do you think the strategic implications of this decision are for the ongoing conflict in Ukraine?
Dr. Thompson: This is indeed a significant development. Allowing the launch of Storm Shadow missiles suggests a shift in the U.S. stance regarding the level of military support it is willing to provide Ukraine. By enabling strikes deeper within Russian territory, the U.S. and its allies signal their commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and their willingness to escalate support against perceived aggression. This could also pressure Russia to reassess its military operations in Ukraine.
Editor: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is reportedly staying silent on these missile strikes to avoid giving Russia any strategic advantages. Why do you think that is critical at this stage?
Dr. Thompson: Silence on specifics can be a calculated move in warfare. By not publicizing the details, Starmer’s government can maintain the element of surprise, which is crucial in military engagements. It also prevents Russia from adjusting its defenses based on known capabilities. The absence of public confirmation may deter Russia from full retaliation, as it keeps them guessing about the extent of Western support for Ukraine.
Editor: Former British Defense Minister Ben Wallace mentioned that the use of these missiles will send a “strong signal” to Russia. What kind of signal do you think he is referring to?
Dr. Thompson: The “strong signal” refers to the idea that Western nations are united in their opposition to Russian territorial ambitions. It indicates that using long-range capabilities will not just be tolerated but actively encouraged. This could also embolden Ukraine, showing them that their allies perceive their fight against Russian aggression as a critical front in defending not just Ukraine but European stability in general.
Editor: Speaking of escalation, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has claimed that these strikes indicate the West’s desire for escalation. Do you believe this is a valid concern?
Dr. Thompson: Lavrov’s comments reflect a common narrative we see in conflict situations—characterizing the opponent’s actions as aggressive. While escalation is a valid concern, it is essential to recognize the context: Ukraine is defending itself against an invasion. The West’s military aid, including these missiles, is not without risks of escalation, but it can be argued that the escalation was already initiated by Russia’s actions in Ukraine.
Editor: Turkish President Erdogan has expressed his disapproval of the Biden administration’s decision, claiming it will lead to increased tensions. How do you see Turkey’s role in this situation, especially given its geographical and political position?
Dr. Thompson: Turkey plays a unique role as both a NATO member and a regional power with interests in maintaining stability in Eurasia. Erdogan’s opposition stems from a desire to avoid greater conflict, as Turkey borders both Ukraine and Russia. His comments highlight the delicate balancing act Turkey must perform—supporting Ukraine against Russian aggression while also managing its relationship with Russia. Turkey has crucial strategic interests in both countries, which makes Erdogan’s position one of caution, aiming to mitigate a potential conflict spillover.
Editor: As the situation evolves, what should we be watching for in the near future regarding military strategies in this conflict?
Dr. Thompson: We should closely monitor how effectively Ukraine utilizes the Storm Shadow missiles and any subsequent reactions from Russia. Additionally, the discourse within NATO will be important—how united the allies remain in their support for Ukraine, how they engage with public opinion, and any potential shifts in military strategies in response to the changing dynamics on the ground.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Thompson, for your insights. It’s clear that the path forward in Ukraine will be complex and filled with geopolitical implications. We appreciate your expertise on this pressing issue.
Dr. Thompson: Thank you for having me. It’s an important topic, and I look forward to seeing how it unfolds.