In recent months, Ukraine has sought to bring Moscow’s war to Russian soil, striking critical targets inside the country including military bases, oil refineries and other energy infrastructure.
The United Kingdom donated long-range Storm Shadow missiles, which can hit targets up to 560 kilometers away, to Ukraine in 2023. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer signaled his approval last November for striking inside Russia, and Ukraine reportedly deployed the missiles for the first time that same month.
Kyiv has lobbied the United States to provide Tomahawks, a cruise missile with a much longer range of about 2,400 kilometers — but President Donald Trump has so far refused, saying that to do so would deplete America’s own stocks.
Russia also pummeled Ukraine overnight, killing six people including two children, in attacks across the country. That included on Kyiv, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.
“Everyone who helps Ukraine with long-range capabilities will bring the end of the war closer,” he added.