Britain Gives Green Light Its Weapons Can Be Used By Ukrainian Troops In Operations In Russia

Ukrainian Military/PHOTO via Instagram @uaf_general_staff

JAKARTA - Britain's Ministry of Defense has given the green light that British weapons can be used by Ukrainian troops in operations in Russian territory. But Storm Shadow's long-range missile usage restrictions remain in place.

In the last two months, Ukraine has carried out its biggest attack on Russia's sovereign territory since the Second World War.

British Foreign Minister at the time David Cameron said in May Ukraine had the right to use weapons provided by London to attack targets in Russia.

However, the government has not previously commented on the use of Ukrainian donated weapons by ground forces on Russian territory.

A spokesman for the UK's Ministry of Defense said Ukraine had a clear "right" to defend itself against Russia's illegal attacks and this did not hinder operations within Russia.

"We explained during the granting process that the equipment should be used in accordance with international law," the spokesman said.

This policy means that UK tanks, anti-tank missiles, and other military equipment provided to Ukraine could be used in Russia as part of Ukraine's defense against Russia's invasion.

Britain-backed Storm Shadow's long-range missile-use restrictions, and can only be used in internationally accepted Ukrainian territory, are still in effect.

Using drones, heavy artillery, and tanks, Ukraine says it has seized more than 1,000 square kilometers (390 square miles) of Russian territory since August 6.

This Ukrainian attack was referred to by Russian President Vladimir Putin as a "big provocation".

British sources said Ukrainian troops were expected to use the British Challenger 2 tank in Russia.

Britain has pledged military aid of 7.6 billion pounds ($9.77 billion) to Ukraine since February 2022 when the Russian invasion began, according to the library House of Commons, which published the research.

These included England's 14 main battle tanks last year along with armored vehicles, ammunition, air defense systems, electronic warfare equipment and artillery.

But Britain, like other Western countries, has so far refused to allow Ukraine to use long-range weapons due to the risk of escalation of the conflict being felt.

Russia said it would respond if Britain allowed Ukraine to attack Russia with British weapons.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy this week again urged his Western allies to allow long-range missile attacks on Russia.