The United Kingdom and France have provided long-range cruise missiles to Ukraine in preparation for a significant counteroffensive against Russian military forces. The Storm Shadow missiles are jointly developed by the two countries, boasting a firing range of over 250 kilometers (155 miles) and advanced navigation systems for accuracy.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed that while his country's forces are mentally prepared, they must wait before launching their counteroffensive due to heavy losses. "We're ready," he said, "but not everything has arrived yet" for the highly anticipated operation.
Joshua Tucker, New York University professor and senior advisor at the Kroll Institute, explained that taking territory would be the primary indicator of success during this Ukrainian counteroffensive. However, questions remain about whether it will involve an attempt to retake Crimea.
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has supplied multiple Storm Shadow cruise missiles for Ukraine's use in its upcoming campaign against Russian forces. These weapons represent some of the longest-range missiles given to Ukraine by Western allies throughout its 15-month conflict with Russia since last year's invasion led by President Vladimir Putin’s regime.
British Defense Secretary Ben Wallace recently announced that the U.K is sending these long-range cruise missiles as part of their commitment made earlier this year when Sunak pledged Britain would be among the first nations providing enhanced weaponry support to Ukraine.
The presence of these powerful weapons allows Ukrainian forces greater capacity to strike deep behind enemy lines, even reaching into occupied Crimea if necessary.