France Permits Ukraine to Strike Kursk and Belgorod Airfields with SCALP-EG and Storm Shadow Missiles

Jun 2, 2024, 10:04 AM

France has granted Ukraine permission to use SCALP-EG and Storm Shadow missiles to strike airfields in Russia's Kursk and Belgorod regions, according to a BBC report from June 2 citing an anonymous military aviation officer. This decision marks a significant development in Western military support for Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy had previously expressed a desire to use long-range weapons such as the UK-made Storm Shadow missiles, but the UK had not given full permission. The approval from France contrasts with the United States' ongoing reluctance to allow similar strikes. The move underscores the varying policies among Western allies regarding military aid to Ukraine.