**Ukraine Deploys UK-Supplied Storm Shadow Missiles Against Russia for the First Time**

Reports indicate that Ukraine has used UK-supplied Storm Shadow missiles to strike Russian targets for the first time, a significant shift in the application of these long-range weapons. Prior to this development, Ukraine was restricted to deploying these missiles within its own borders.

This action follows the recent permission Ukraine received from Washington to utilize US-supplied missiles against Russian territory. For operational reasons, the Ukrainian government has declined to comment directly on the use of these missiles. However, officials did confirm that Defence Secretary John Healey had a discussion with his Ukrainian counterpart on the matter.

In the UK Parliament, Healey remarked, "Ukraine's action on the battlefield speaks for itself," highlighting the country's determination and resourcefulness. Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov also refrained from confirming the use of Storm Shadow missiles against Russian targets but emphasized that Ukraine is utilizing all available means to defend itself.

US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller similarly declined to provide comments on the use of UK-supplied missiles or whether the US was providing any navigational assistance. When questioned about possible US involvement, Miller stated he would not "speak publicly to the use of another country's weapons."

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has consistently urged Ukraine's Western allies to authorize the use of long-range missiles for strikes within Russia, arguing that such measures are necessary to end the conflict. The Storm Shadow missile, developed jointly by the UK and France, is especially effective against hardened bunkers and ammunition stores.

After some hesitation, US President Joe Biden recently approved the use of the Army Tactical Missile System (Atacms) for Ukraine to target Russian sites. Following this approval, Ukraine used Atacms to strike the Bryansk region on Tuesday. In addition, the US has now approved sending landmines to Ukraine in efforts to hinder the advancement of Russian troops.

UK Prime Minister Sir Starmer, speaking at the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro, reaffirmed the UK's commitment to supporting Ukraine, stating the UK would "ensure Ukraine has what is needed for as long as needed."

BBC Verify showcased images purportedly of Storm Shadow missile fragments in Kursk to weapons experts, who confirmed the debris matches that of the Storm Shadow missile. Meanwhile, Moscow claims that missiles recently targeted an ammunition depot in the Bryansk region, with Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov accusing the US of seeking to escalate the war.