Russia has claimed that British-made Storm Shadow missiles were fired into Russia for the first time today, just hours after British officials joined their U.S. counterparts in quietly lifting an existing missile ban.
Unconfirmed reports on Russian Telegram channels cited by the Kyiv Post have alleged that 12 of the missiles flew over the border from the Kursk region, in Russia, today. Photos posted by Russian bloggers on Telegram showed missile fragments in Kursk.
Ukraine fired several American-supplied longer-range missiles into Russia on Tuesday, marking the first time Kyiv used the weapons that way in 1,000 days of war.
Following the first use of U.S. weapons to strike Russia, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer reaffirmed support for Ukraine and hinted that they may send British-made Storm Shadow missiles to Ukraine for use inside Russia. Starmer pledged support for Ukraine as the U.K.s top priority at this weeks G20 summit as well.
A key target for the 12 reported missiles was the village of Maryino in the Kursk region, which is partially occupied by Ukraine. Some reports claimed that Storm Shadows had also targeted Vladimir Putins $1.2 billion Crimean Bridge but were downed.
One video recorded the sound of a dozen or so missiles flying towards explosions in Kursk region.
Ukraine has been using Storm Shadow missiles inside the country for some time, targetting Russian invaders, but Kyiv now appears to have been permitted to strike targets inside Russia.
The missiles carry a bunker-busting warhead and fly low and fast to evade air defenses.
The developments marked a worrying escalation in the conflict that has repeatedly ratcheted up international tensions. U.S. officials recently expressed dismay at Russias deployment of North Korean troops to help it fight Ukraine, while Moscow seethed when Washington eased restrictions on the ATACMS in recent days.
The 1,000-day mark has magnified scrutiny of how the war is unfolding and how it might end, amid signs that a turning point may be coming with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump entering the White House in about two months time. Trump has pledged to swiftly end the war and has criticized the amount the U.S. has spent on supporting Ukraine.
Ukraines forces are under severe Russian pressure on the battlefield at places on the about 1,000-kilometer (600-mile) front line where its army is stretched thin. Ukrainian civilians, meanwhile, have repeatedly been attacked by Russian drones and missiles.
Ukraine claimed Tuesday that it hit a military weapons depot in Russias Bryansk region overnight, though it didnt specify what weapons it used. The Ukrainian General Staff said multiple explosions and detonations were heard in the targeted area around Karachev.
