Russia-Ukraine Latest: Moscow Says British-Made Storm Shadow Missiles Shot Down

3 hours ago 4

By Michael D. Carroll

Breaking News Editor

Russia's military says it shot down two British-made Storm Shadow missiles, but has not confirmed where or when.

Ukraine's armed forces reportedly first used British Storm Shadow cruise missiles to strike military targets within Russia on Wednesday. According to Western sources familiar with the matter, the strikes were approved as a response to Russia's deployment of North Korean troops in support of its war efforts against Ukraine.

While Ukraine had previously employed Storm Shadow missiles on its own territory, this marked the first confirmed instance of Kyiv targeting locations within Russian borders with the British-supplied weaponry.

The move coincides with Russia launched an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) targeting Ukraine on Thursday, specifically the city of Dnipro. This development marks a significant escalation in the conflict, with Dnipro, a key city in central Ukraine, now subjected to the use of long-range weaponry typically associated with strategic military objectives.

05:55 AM EST

UK Is 'Stepping up Support'

The U.K. is stepping up support for Ukraine, defence minister John Healey has said.

"This is a serious moment," he told the British parliament's defence committee.

"Defence intelligence will reveal today that the frontline is less stable than at any time since the early days of the full-scale Russian invasion in February 2022."

"We have seen in recent weeks a very clear escalation from Putin and his forces."

"While the Ukrainian actions on the battlefield speak for themselves ... be in no doubt the UK government is stepping up our support for Ukraine."

05:48 AM EST

Russia Ready to Consider Any 'Realistic' Ukraine Peace

"We are open to negotiations, we are ready to consider any realistic, non-politicised initiative—of course," Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said.

She added though that Russia would only consider a deal, "which was based on taking into account our interests."

Russia has expressed openness to discussing a potential Ukraine ceasefire plan with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, signaling a willingness for dialogue amid the ongoing conflict. However, Moscow has firmly ruled out making significant territorial concessions and maintains that Ukraine must abandon its ambitions to join NATO.

05:40 AM EST

Russia Claims Air Defense Interception

The Russian Defense Ministry announced Thursday that its air defense systems successfully intercepted two British-made Storm Shadow missiles, six HIMARS rockets, and 67 drones. The disclosure was part of the ministry's routine daily update on military operations in Ukraine.

The statement did not provide specific details about the timing, locations, or intended targets of the intercepted missiles and drones. This is not the first time Moscow has claimed to have downed Storm Shadow missiles, with previous reports indicating similar interceptions over the annexed Crimean Peninsula. These announcements come as both sides continue to escalate their use of advanced weaponry in the ongoing conflict.

05:33 AM EST

Russia Uses an ICBM Against Ukraine for First Time

For the first time since its full-scale invasion began, Russia has launched an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) targeting Ukraine.

The Ukrainian Air Force stated on Telegram that Russia launched a series of missile strikes on Ukraine, escalating its offensive with the launch of an ICBM from the Astrakhan region.

"In particular, an intercontinental ballistic missile was launched from the Astrakhan region of the Russian Federation," the air force said.