Allies may keep Kyiv missile approval quiet

Western diplomats are considering a ‘dispensation’ for the use of Storm Shadow missiles within Russia’s borders to target ammunition stores and bunkers.

Antony Blinken, left, the US secretary of state, met Andrii Sybiha, the Ukrainian foreign minister, and David Lammy, the foreign secretary, in Kyiv for discussions last week. Picture: Pavlo Bahmut/Getty Images

Ukraine may be given private dispensation by the UK and the United States to fire long-range Storm Shadow missiles into Russia without making it public until the first one is fired.

Western diplomats are poised to approve the decision but could hold back from making an official announcement at the UN next week.

The Times understands there is wariness about publicising the move in advance to alert Russia. An agreement could therefore be struck in private to allow Ukraine to fire the British and French-made cruise missiles into Russia with the element of surprise, diplomatic sources said.

Five former Tory defence secretaries have urged the government to allow Ukraine to use Storm Shadow missiles if needed. Picture: Ukrainian Air Force/The Times

The UK and France have already sent Storm Shadow missiles to Ukraine, but only for use on targets within the country’s borders.

However, Ukraine has been pushing for authorisation to use the weapons to strike deep inside Russia, targeting ammunition stores and bunkers that are harder to penetrate with drones.

Officials had been preparing to approve their deployment after a joint US-UK trip to Ukraine last week, but the decision was so finely balanced that two statements for their joint press conference were prepared. One was drafted to announce the decision to authorise Ukraine’s use of the missiles, and the other, which was delivered, said they were still considering the request.

David Lammy, the foreign secretary, held talks in Paris this week, with Antony Blinken, the US secretary of state, as well as foreign ministers from France, Germany and Italy.

The allies worked to finalise a deal before the UN general assembly next week, where Sir Keir Starmer is heading for talks with other world leaders.

Lammy said the talks in Paris on Thursday were about ensuring that “Ukraine has all it needs, militarily, politically, diplomatically and in terms of aid to get through what will be a tough winter and into 2025”.

Blinken and Lammy are working to thrash out a deal ahead of the UN general assembly next week. Picture: Ben Dance/FCDO/The Times

Pressed on whether Britain was poised to authorise the use of Storm Shadows, Lammy said: “I haven’t got further announcements to make.” He added that discussions were continuing and that “we look forward to meeting with President Zelensky in a few days time at the UN General Assembly”.

UK diplomatic sources said they were keen to show NATO was “moving as one”, and avoid the impression of Britain and the US “dominating decisions”.

However, one official suggested that senior figures in the US administration were focused on “legacy-building” and wanted to move faster, given the presidential election in November.

Pressure has grown for Ukraine to be allowed to fire the missiles into Russia since it was claimed the Kremlin had received new ballistic missiles from Iran.

A government spokesperson said: “There has been no change in the UK’s position. We continue to provide military aid to support Ukraine’s clear right of self-defence against Russia’s illegal attacks in accordance with international humanitarian law. We are clear that equipment provided by the UK is intended for the defence of Ukraine.”

The Times