The Kremlin has threatened reprisals after Ukraine deployed British-supplied Storm Shadow cruise missiles in a strike that military analysts describe as a significant escalation. President Vladimir Putin, speaking in Moscow, condemned what he termed a "provocative act"
enabled by Western powers, vowing a "proportionate response". The attack, carried out late Tuesday, targeted a command post in the occupied Donetsk region, according to Ukrainian officials.
Britain confirmed the delivery of the long-range missiles earlier this year, with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak defending the supply as a legitimate means for Ukraine to defend its sovereignty. The strike marks the first confirmed operational use of Storm Shadows by Ukrainian forces, capable of striking targets up to 250 kilometres away. Defence analysts note that the weapon system, designed for precision strikes, reduces the risk of collateral damage but its deployment risks widening the conflict.
NATO officials have remained cautious, reiterating their support for Ukraine without commenting directly on the strike. The Kremlin's warning is likely to heighten tensions ahead of the NATO summit in Vilnius next month. The situation remains fluid, with further retaliatory actions expected.
