Since Keir Starmer assumed the role of UK Prime Minister, Ukraine has observed a noticeable decline in its relations with Britain, particularly regarding military aid. According to *The Guardian*, the UK has yet to deliver additional Storm Shadow long-range missiles, an omission that has strained the alliance. Kyiv sees the absence of this support as a critical gap, especially given the strategic role these missiles have played in its defense efforts.
The publication highlights that Starmer, in his four months as Prime Minister, has yet to visit Ukraine. Ukrainian officials reportedly perceive such a visit as symbolic at best, arguing it would lack value unless Starmer commits to concrete military support. “There’s no point in his coming as a tourist,” an unnamed senior official in the Ukrainian President’s Office remarked.
Ukraine’s primary concern lies with the UK’s reluctance to provide further Storm Shadow missiles from its reserves. Unlike his predecessor, Rishi Sunak, Starmer has not committed to replenishing Ukraine’s missile stockpiles.
“It isn’t happening. Starmer isn’t giving us long-range weapons. The situation is not the same as when Rishi Sunak was prime minister. The relationship has got worse,” the official added, emphasizing a noticeable shift in the UK’s stance under the new leadership.
Had additional Storm Shadow missiles been supplied, Ukraine asserts it would have leveraged them against key Russian targets. These long-range missiles were first provided in 2023 under an agreement that restricted their use strictly to Ukrainian territory. The last known use of Storm Shadow missiles by Ukrainian forces was on October 5, targeting Russian command posts and military assets.
The UK is one of the three nations committed to supplying Ukraine with long-range missiles, and Kyiv’s frustration reflects the strategic importance of these weapons in its ongoing conflict. The Storm Shadow missiles have enabled precise strikes on Russian infrastructure, offering a significant advantage.
Without renewed support, however, Ukraine faces limitations in its long-range strike capabilities, which may impact its defensive operations. As diplomatic tensions build, the evolving UK-Ukraine relationship under Starmer’s administration remains a point of concern in Kyiv.
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