Ukraine has reportedly launched UK-supplied Storm Shadow missiles into Russia, marking the first confirmed use of the long-range weaponry against Russian targets.
British media, citing government and military sources, said the missiles targeted locations in Russia’s Kursk border region, with speculation pointing to an underground military command centre. Neither Moscow nor Kyiv have officially confirmed the strikes.
This follows the US granting Ukraine permission to use ATACMS missiles on Russian territory, a long-awaited move by Kyiv.
Russia has accused outgoing President Joe Biden of escalating the conflict with increased arms supplies, including antipersonnel land mines.
Meanwhile, Moscow has intensified its missile attacks on Ukraine, targeting residential areas and critical infrastructure, prompting air raid alerts across the country. The U.S. temporarily closed its Kyiv embassy over a "potential imminent air attack" but reopened after a day.
Ukrainian officials criticised moves by allies to raise alarm, calling it counterproductive. President Volodymyr Zelensky warned against panic, saying it plays into Russia’s hands.
The conflict comes amid shifting political landscapes, with Donald Trump’s US presidential victory sparking concerns over future American support for Ukraine. Both sides are intensifying efforts on the battlefield ahead of Trump’s January inauguration.
Russia also criticised the UK and US for escalating the war, with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey warning that these actions risk greater retaliation from Moscow.
Despite mounting tension, there is little indication of progress toward peace negotiations.
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