UK to provide long-range missiles to Ukraine

By Aysu Bicer

LONDON (AA) - The UK confirmed Thursday that it would be providing long-range missiles to Ukraine.

Storm Shadow missiles will be supplied to Ukraine's military, meeting one of Kyiv's longtime requests, Defense Secretary Ben Wallace said, according to local media outlets, including SkyNews.

The long-range, air-launched cruise missiles can travel up to 350 miles and can carry a warhead of up to 450 kilograms (992 pounds). They were developed by British Aerospace and a French company, according to the Royal Air Force.

Moscow has warned that the move will warrant an "appropriate response" from the Russian military.

Other countries, including the US, have been hesitant to provide such arms, fearing that they may lead to an escalation in the conflict if used on targets in Russia.