Dangers of Ukraine's Use of Long-Range UK Missiles Against Russia
Published by Campbell M Gold in Blowing in the Wind · Sunday 15 Sep 2024
Tags: Dangers, Ukraine, Long, Range, Missiles, UK, Russia, Conflict, Storm, Shadow
Tags: Dangers, Ukraine, Long, Range, Missiles, UK, Russia, Conflict, Storm, Shadow
Dangers of Ukraine's Use of Long-Range UK Missiles Against Russia
We are living in perilous times...
Due to short-sighted, self-serving politicians, the interests of the military-industrial complex, and big pharmaceutical corporations, the UK could become entangled in a conflict with Russia. What are the potential dangers of Ukraine using long-range UK missiles (Storm Shadow) against Russia?
Introduction
The ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia has escalated tensions in Eastern Europe, drawing significant international attention. A critical aspect of this situation is Ukraine's potential use of long-range missiles, specifically the British Storm Shadow missiles, against targets within Russian territory. This article underscores the implications and grave dangers of such a military strategy, urging careful consideration of the potential outcomes.
Background on the Conflict
Since the onset of the conflict in 2014, Ukraine has sought various forms of military assistance from Western allies, notably the United Kingdom and the United States. The introduction of advanced weaponry, including long-range missiles, has been a focal point of discussions between Ukraine and its allies. President Volodymyr Zelensky has been vocal in his requests for these capabilities, arguing that they are essential for Ukraine's defence and counteroffensive operations.
The Role of UK Missiles
What Are Storm Shadow Missiles?
Storm Shadow missiles are air-launched cruise missiles developed by the UK. They are designed to strike high-value targets at significant distances, making them a potent tool in modern warfare. Their range and precision could allow Ukraine to target military installations deep within Russian territory, potentially altering the dynamics of the conflict.
Current Status of Military Aid
As of mid-September 2024, there have been indications that the US and UK may soon lift restrictions on Ukraine's use of these long-range missiles. However, concerns remain regarding the potential escalation of the conflict. The US and UK, in their cautious approach, have historically been wary of allowing Ukraine to strike inside Russia, understanding the potential for a broader military response from Moscow and the complex dynamics at play.
The Dangers of Escalation
Risk of Retaliation
One of the primary dangers of Ukraine using UK missiles against Russian targets is the risk of retaliation. Russia has made it clear that it views any strikes on its territory as a significant provocation. This could lead to various responses, from increased military action in Ukraine to potential strikes on Western interests.
Impact on International Relations
The use of long-range missiles could also strain international relations. Countries that have supported Ukraine may find themselves in a precarious position, balancing their support for Ukraine with the need to avoid a confrontation with Russia. This could lead to divisions among NATO allies and complicate diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict.
Strategic Considerations
Military Effectiveness
While the potential use of Storm Shadow missiles could enhance Ukraine's military effectiveness, the broader strategic implications must be considered. Striking deep into Russian territory may provide short-term tactical advantages but could undermine long-term goals for peace and stability in the region.
The Need for Caution
Zelensky's government must weigh the benefits of using these missiles against the potential consequences. Engaging in strikes on Russian soil could escalate the conflict beyond control, leading to a humanitarian crisis, further destabilising the region, and possible world war.
Implications
As we have seen, the use of long-range UK missiles by Ukraine against Russia carries several potential dangers:
- Escalation of Conflict: Russia has warned that allowing Ukraine to use long-range missiles could be seen as a direct involvement of NATO countries in the conflict, potentially leading to a broader war.
- Retaliation: Russia might respond to such actions by increasing attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure, which could further harm civilians and disrupt essential services.
- Unconventional Warfare: There is a risk that Russia could resort to unconventional weapons or tactics that fall below the threshold of direct armed conflict, complicating the situation further.
- Political Tensions: The decision to supply and use these missiles can strain political relations between Western allies and Russia, leading to diplomatic fallout and increased global tensions.
The prospect of Ukraine using UK missiles against Russia presents a complex array of dangers and strategic considerations. While the desire for military capability is understandable in the context of ongoing aggression, the potential for escalation and international fallout cannot be overlooked. As the situation evolves, it remains crucial for Ukraine and its allies to navigate these challenges with caution and foresight, prioritising diplomatic solutions alongside military strategies.
What is your take on this complex situation?
Media Reporting
Putin Warns NATO Risks 'War' over Ukraine Long-range Missiles;
Russia expels U.K. Diplomats it Accuses of Spying
Russia expels U.K. Diplomats it Accuses of Spying
The Russian leader's latest red line on support for Kyiv came ahead of President Joe Biden's meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in Washington on Friday, 13/09/2024.
President Vladimir Putin has warned that Russia would be "at war" with the United States and its allies if they lift restrictions on Ukraine's use of long-range Western weapons.
Putin's vow to follow such a move with "appropriate decisions" was his latest, perhaps most drastic attempt to draw red lines over NATO members' backing for Kyiv, and it came on the eve of a meeting in Washington where the issue is expected to be high on the agenda.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer held talks with President Joe Biden at the White House on Friday afternoon, as London clashed with Moscow over the expulsion of six diplomats accused of spying — accusations the U.K. dismissed as "baseless."
Before beginning the talks, Biden said the U.S. is "committed" to standing with the U.K. to help support Ukraine against Russia.
"I’ve often said there’s no issue of global consequence where the United States and U.K. can’t work together," Biden said. "It’s clear that Putin will not prevail in this war. The people of Ukraine will prevail."
Asked about Putin’s comments on a potential direct war with Russia, Biden told reporters, "I don’t think much about Vladimir Putin."
A White House readout of the meeting said that the two leaders "reaffirmed their unwavering support for Ukraine as it continues to defend against Russia’s aggression," and that they shared "deep concern about Iran and North Korea’s provision of lethal weapons to Russia."
The U.S. and its allies have appeared increasingly open to letting Ukraine use long-range Western missiles to strike deep inside Russia, the culmination of a months-long push by Kyiv that has sparked the Kremlin's fury.
"We are not talking about allowing or not allowing the Ukrainian regime to strike Russia with these weapons," Putin said Thursday in comments to propagandist Pavel Zarubin. "We are talking about deciding whether NATO countries are directly involved in the military conflict or not."
"This will mean that NATO countries, the U.S. and European countries are at war with Russia," Putin said. "And if this is so, then, bearing in mind the change in the very essence of this conflict, we will make appropriate decisions based on the threats that will be created for us."
Putin added that the Ukrainian army does not have the ability to program long-range missiles or the satellite data necessary for their targeting, relying on NATO military personnel for those tasks.
Putin’s comments were echoed by the speaker of Russia’s State Duma, Vyacheslav Volodin, in a Telegram post Friday. "NATO became a participant in military operations in Ukraine," Volodin wrote. "They are waging war on our country."
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov also told reporters Friday that Putin's message was "extremely clear, unambiguous and does not allow for any double readings."
"We have no doubt that it has reached its intended recipients," Peskov noted.
The Kremlin and Russian propaganda have been portraying the war in Ukraine as a clash with the West and NATO since the beginning of the full-scale invasion in February 2022, and the latest threatening rhetoric from Putin appears to be an escalation of that strategy at a crucial moment.
It was unclear what Moscow's implied response might be, though in June Putin suggested he could provide arms to other countries to hit Western targets.
Putin has repeatedly warned the West not to cross Moscow’s so-called red lines, which he warned could trigger nuclear conflict, but they have been repeatedly crossed without such a response from the Kremlin.
Ukrainian forces launched the first invasion of Russian territory since World War II last month, only to be met with a relatively muted response.
After more than a month, the Kremlin announced Thursday it had begun a major counteroffensive to retake some of the land seized in the Kursk border region, while its forces press on with an offensive in Ukraine's east that threatens the key strategic hub city of Pokrovsk.
As things stand, Kyiv only has permission to use Western-supplied long-range weapons such as American ATACMS and British Storm Shadows to strike Russian territory along its border, and only in response to attacks from these areas.
It’s been pleading for that policy to change so it can strike military assets deeper inside Russia that are used to launch attacks on Ukrainian cities.
But Washington and its allies have been reluctant to allow that, fearing a major escalation.
That appears to have shifted in recent weeks.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken was in Kyiv on Wednesday with his British counterpart, and Biden indicated earlier this week that the U.S. was "working out" the issue.
Members of the bipartisan Congressional Ukraine Caucus signed a letter earlier this week urging Biden to lift restrictions on Kyiv's use of long-range weapons, saying they are "inconsistent" with what America would ever accept for its own operations or restrictions that the U.S. places on its other allies, such as Israel.
Ahead of his meeting with Biden, the British leader's office told NBC News that Starmer told reporters the U.K. does not seek any conflict with Russia. But he noted: "Russia started this conflict. Russia illegally invaded Ukraine. Russia could end this conflict straight away."
As he arrived in Washington, Russia’s FSB internal security service announced it had revoked the accreditation of six British diplomats in Moscow whose actions it said had signs of "reconnaissance and subversive work."
Britain dismissed the accusations as "completely baseless."
13/09/2024
End
Source
nbcnews.com
Various News Feeds
There are no reviews yet.