Donald Trump has authorized Ukraine to deploy specific long-range missiles provided by Western allies following the cancellation of a scheduled meeting with Vladimir Putin. A crucial limitation on their utilization has been removed, granting Kyiv the ability to target deep into Russian territory and exert pressure on the Kremlin, as per US officials on Wednesday.
Ukraine utilized British-manufactured Storm Shadow cruise missiles to strike a chemical plant in Russia’s Bryansk region on Tuesday, confirmed the General Staff of Ukraine’s Armed Forces via social media, labeling it a “successful hit.” Ukrainian forces stated that the Russian facility is involved in producing gunpowder, explosives, and components for rocket fuel used in ammunition and missiles employed against Ukraine.
The decision to permit such attacks was transferred from Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth to General Alexus Grynkewich, the highest-ranking US military officer in Europe and NATO commander, as reported by The Wall Street Journal. This adjustment occurred without prior notice.
On the same day as the missile strike, PM Keir Starmer and other European leaders pledged to escalate economic and defense industry pressure on Russia until Putin is willing to engage in peace negotiations. The planned discussions between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin in Budapest recently fell through, with Trump expressing his reluctance to have a fruitless meeting with the Russian leader.
Since early October, Trump has been urging Putin to engage in talks to end the conflict. During his recent trip to Israel, Trump hinted at the possibility of providing Ukraine with Tomahawk missiles if the war persists without resolution. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has been advocating for increased military support, specifically requesting US-made Tomahawk missiles, which have a range of 1,550 miles.
Although initial proposals to supply Ukraine with Tomahawks have been retracted by Trump due to potential provocations towards Moscow, the authorization for Ukraine to use Storm Shadow missiles, a British-French cruise missile with a range of over 180 miles, has been granted. The US retains the ability to regulate Ukraine’s use of the missile due to its reliance on American targeting data.