UK wants to provide more Storm Shadow missiles to Ukraine

Taurus missile. Stock photo: Getty Images

David Cameron, Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs of the United Kingdom, has proposed to Germany that it exchange Taurus missiles for British Storm Shadow in order to provide Ukraine with long-range weapons.

Source: European Pravda, citing Cameron in an interview with Süddeutsche Zeitung

Quote: “We are ready to consider all options to achieve maximum impact for Ukraine,” said Cameron. 

Advertisement:

Details: The idea of the UK Foreign Secretary is that Germany could supply Taurus missiles to the UK, and in turn, the UK government would provide Ukraine with additional Storm Shadow missiles. 

“We are determined to closely cooperate with our German partners on this and all other issues to assist Ukraine,” said Cameron. 

However, he “did not want to disclose details and inform our opponents about what we intend to do.” 

Cameron dismissed concerns that the supply of cruise missiles could lead to an escalation of the war in Ukraine. 

“It is entirely possible to impose restrictions on the use of this weapon to ensure that it does not in any way contribute to escalation,” the secretary said. 

He emphasised that the UK trusts the assurances given by Ukraine and added that London is satisfied with the agreements reached.

“Otherwise, we wouldn’t be doing this,” the foreign secretary noted.

Background:

• At the end of January, Handelsblatt reported that the UK had offered Germany an option on how to deal with Berlin’s reluctance to provide Ukraine with long-range Taurus cruise missiles.
• The idea foresees that the UK or France could receive Taurus missiles from the stocks of the German Armed Forces. In return, Paris and London could then deliver more of their own cruise missiles, which they are already supplying, to Ukraine.
• Spiegel, citing sources, reported that Germany is considering its involvement in supplying cruise missiles to Ukraine if an exchange of missiles with NATO allies takes place. 
• At the same time, German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius stated at that time that he was unaware of any proposal from Britain regarding a missile exchange.

Support UP or become our patron!