Tensions are simmering between the UK and Ukraine as Kyiv grows increasingly disillusioned with Britain’s level of military support under Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s Labour government. Ukrainian officials have expressed mounting frustration over the UK’s failure to provide additional long-range missiles, which they deem crucial to countering Russia’s accelerating offensive in the east.
Strained Ties and Unfulfilled Promises
According to a senior figure in President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s administration, the UK-Ukraine relationship has “got worse” since Labour took power in July. The official pointed to Britain’s reluctance to replenish stocks of the highly sought-after Storm Shadow missile system, despite Ukraine’s urgent requests.
“There’s no point in his coming as a tourist. 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.”
– Senior official in Zelenskyy’s administration
The deteriorating ties come at a critical juncture, as Russian troops advance in eastern Ukraine at their fastest pace since 2022. Ukrainian commanders have warned that they are heavily outgunned, emphasizing the urgent need for additional long-range firepower.
The Storm Shadow Standoff
At the heart of the dispute lies the Storm Shadow, a highly accurate cruise missile developed jointly by the UK and France. While both countries agreed to supply the missile to Ukraine in 2023, the number of strikes has dwindled significantly throughout 2024.
Ukrainian officials argue that the UK has not provided any additional Storm Shadow missiles from its reserves, even for use against targets in Russian-occupied territories since 2014. The last claimed Strike was on October 5, targeting Russian command posts.
Zelenskyy’s Plea and Starmer’s Response
During a recent meeting with Starmer at a European political summit in Budapest, President Zelenskyy underscored the importance of long-range weaponry in Ukraine’s “victory plan.” While the UK prime minister acknowledged the need to “step up” support, Ukrainian sources complained that the meeting yielded “no progress at all” on the missile issue.
“An important element of the victory plan is providing Ukraine with long-range weaponry and granting permission to use it against military targets on Russian territory.”
– President Volodymyr Zelenskyy
Downing Street Defends Aid Commitment
In response to the growing friction, a Downing Street spokesperson emphasized that the UK’s “support for Ukraine is ironclad” and that Starmer remains committed to standing with Ukraine for as long as necessary. The spokesperson highlighted the £12.8 billion in total aid provided by the UK since 2022, with £7.8 billion allocated to military assistance.
However, Ukrainian officials maintain that without a resumption of Storm Shadow deliveries, there is little point in Starmer visiting Kyiv. The impasse threatens to strain the once-close relationship between the two nations, as Ukraine grapples with the consequences of Donald Trump’s victory in the US presidential election and the potential impact on American military aid.
A Looming Diplomatic Rift?
As Russian bombardments intensify and North Korean soldiers prepare to join the battle against Ukraine, Kyiv’s frustration with its allies’ perceived passivity is reaching a boiling point. President Zelenskyy has accused the US, UK, and Germany of “watching” as the conflict escalates, urging them to approve long-range strikes to prevent further Ukrainian casualties.
The strained ties between the UK and Ukraine underscore the delicate balance of military support, diplomatic relations, and the ever-evolving dynamics of the ongoing war. As Ukraine fights for its sovereignty and territorial integrity, the question remains: Will Britain step up its assistance, or risk a growing rift with a key ally at a crucial moment in history?
