Britain already aiding Ukraine in carrying out long-range strikes inside Russia

According to people familiar with the matter, Washington is urging NATO allies to step up intelligence support for Ukraine. Britain, the report said, is already assisting Kyiv in conducting some long-range strikes against Russia.

Financial Times detailed the claim in an article on U.S. preparations to provide Ukraine with new intelligence for long-range attacks. Such data could help Ukraine more precisely identify Russian air defense positions and chart strike routes, boosting the effectiveness of its existing drones and missiles, as well as any new long-range weapons Washington authorizes NATO allies to supply to Kyiv.

The U.S. has previously provided Ukraine with HIMARS and ATACMS missiles, capable of hitting targets inside Russia, though supplies are limited and long-range strikes remain rare, the outlet added.

According to the Wall Street Journal, U.S. President Donald Trump has authorized American intelligence to share targeting data with Ukraine for strikes against Russia’s energy sector. The U.S. has also been pressing NATO allies to support similar initiatives.

On Sept. 3, British Defense Secretary John Healey said the UK was considering transferring NIGHTFALL ballistic missiles to Ukraine once their development is completed.

Media reports said the missile will have a range of more than 600 kilometers, a warhead weighing about 400–500 kilograms, and a quasi-ballistic trajectory with terminal maneuvering for greater accuracy. The first test prototypes are expected to be ready in nine to 12 months.

On May 11, 2023, Western media reported that Britain had supplied Ukraine with long-range Storm Shadow cruise missiles — the first Western long-range weapons of that type delivered to Ukraine’s armed forces.