Ukraine could be set to “wrong-foot” Putin as they prepare to unleash new forms of machinery, provided to them by Britain.
According to defence analyst Chris Newton, new long range weapons set to be used by Ukrainian forces could prove to be a key facet of a “counter-offensive”.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has described the donation as a “significant enhancement” of Ukraine’s efforts in the fight against Russia, a statement Newton concurs with.
Speaking to GB News, he said: “Using this weapon at the start of a counter-offensive would immediately wrong-foot Russia.
Vladimir Putin could be 'wrong-footed'
Reuters / GB News
“It will take time for Russia to develop counter measures and so forth. We are seeing localised counter attacks at the moment from the Ukrainians.
“Whether that indicates the start of a counter offensive is hard to say. What I think is happening, and this is just a guess, by attacking in Bakhmut, they’re diverting resources from the south to the east.
“They’re forcing the Russians to commit in different places which will hopefully soften up the Russians in the south for an attack.”
Zelensky, in a tweet, thanked Sunak “for the significant enhancement of our capabilities with long-range Storm Shadow missiles and other irreplaceable military assistance”.
Ukraine is preparing to mount a counter-offensive
Reuters“We discussed further defence cooperation and coordinated our positions on the eve of upcoming international events. In particular, we need clear signals about Ukraine’s future with Nato.”
Manufacturer MBDA says the Storm Shadow has a range of more than 150 miles, giving Kyiv the ability to strike behind the Russian front line.
Britain is understood to have received assurances that the missiles will only be used defensively against targets in Ukrainian territory being occupied by Vladimir Putin’s forces.
The Government has not provided detail on the number of missiles to be provided to Kyiv.
A Downing Street spokesperson said Sunak told the Ukrainian leader “he was pleased to deliver on the commitment he made in February to provide Ukraine with the long-range capabilities they need to defend themselves”.
A Downing Street spokesperson said Sunak told the Ukrainian leader “he was pleased to deliver on the commitment he made in February to provide Ukraine with the long-range capabilities they need to defend themselves”.
“The leaders discussed the importance of the international community sustaining the level of support it has provided so far to Ukraine, particularly as the country prepares to intensify its military operations.
“The Prime Minister restated the UK’s commitment to ensuring Ukraine prevails and secures a just and lasting peace.”