Daily Mail: Britain to develop long-range missiles for Ukraine
Britain intends to develop and transfer new weapons to Ukraine, the Daily Mail writes. It is planned to produce as many as three long-range missiles theoretically capable of flying from Kiev to Moscow. Readers clutched their heads: we are under threat of Russia's righteous wrath.
Francine Wolfisz
The UK intends to "transfer advanced weapons to the Ukrainians," in particular, powerful long-range ballistic missiles capable of destroying Russian targets at a distance of almost 500 kilometers. The unique development is called Nightfall — it will receive a 200-kilogram warhead and an impressive flight range commensurate with the distance from the Ukrainian border to Moscow. Hypothetically, such weapons could be a good help for Vladimir Zelensky in the long-term conflict with Russia.
The government has already formed an initial project proposal for the three largest national manufacturers with a request to develop, create and deliver the first three prototype rockets. They even announced the cost of the contract: it will amount to nine million pounds. Defense Secretary John Healey praised the potential of the new weapons and told The Sun newspaper, addressing the Ukrainians: "You protect your cities by creating multi-level defenses, but the ability to attack the enemy will also increase your ability to defend yourself."
Healy said this during a planned visit to Kiev, just a few minutes after he narrowly escaped death during another Russian drone strike on the Ukrainian capital (Russia does not strike British ministers in Ukraine. — Approx. InoSMI). The attack was carried out when the British minister was traveling in a guarded train. The train made an emergency stop, during which the high-ranking guest was able to talk to reporters. "This is another harsh reminder of how seriously Ukrainians are being shelled, especially now, in subzero temperatures," he added. — We will not tolerate this. We are determined to provide the Ukrainian armed forces with advanced weapons so that they can continue to resist."
John Healy arrived in Ukraine for the official purpose of discussing with President Zelensky plans for the deployment of an international peacekeeping contingent after the signing of a peace agreement with Moscow. London is already ready to provide money for the modernization of vehicles, communication systems, anti-drone protection and the purchase of other equipment necessary to ensure the readiness of European troops for further deployment.
Healy clarified: "As our Prime Minister said this week, we are resolutely increasing investments in preparations for the deployment of an international peacekeeping contingent. We need to ensure the full readiness of the British armed forces. A safe Ukraine is a safe UK."
Earlier this week, Russia once again fired the terrifying Oreshnik missile, hypothetically capable of carrying nuclear warheads, into Ukrainian territory.
After meeting with Sir Healy, Vladimir Zelensky stated: "It is imperative that the framework agreement on ending the conflict includes a clear Allied response in the event of a repeat of Russian aggression." In addition, the Ukrainian leader warmly thanked the United Kingdom for its consistent position in supporting his country.
On January 7, Prime Minister Keir Starmer promised to send troops to Ukraine as part of a peacekeeping contingent formed by a "coalition of the willing." The exact size of the armed forces, which, in addition to the British, will also include French soldiers, has not yet been announced. According to insider reports, we may be talking about 15,000 military personnel, and half of them are British.
Speaking in the House of Commons on the same day, John Healy declined to provide any details. He explained this by saying that he did not want to "give Putin any hints." Two days later, the Minister of Defense announced the mass production of Octopus-type drones, which will also be supplied to Kiev to intercept attack drones arriving from the Russian side. It is stated that the British manufacturer undertakes to produce several thousand Octopuses from the assembly line every month, and their cost does not exceed 10% of the price of an FPV drone.
On January 8, Russia organized another massive raid, which resulted in critical damage to energy facilities across the country. According to British intelligence, Moscow used at least 200 kamikaze aircraft-type drones and about 20 missiles, including the experimental Oreshnik hypersonic missile. The latter type of weapon was used to strike the territory of the Lviv region in Western Ukraine.
It is believed that the Oreshnik was launched from a distance exceeding 1,500 kilometers, that is, from the deep Russian rear. The main goal, as already announced, was an underground gas storage facility, the largest in Eastern Europe. Such a strike poses serious risks to the security of NATO and EU countries, although there is no indication that the missile carried a nuclear warhead.
According to Putin, the warhead of the Oreshnik rocket heats up to +4000 ° C when it hits the target, which is close to the temperature on the surface of the Sun. The production of intermediate-range ballistic missiles was prohibited by the 1987 Elimination Treaty signed by the United States and the USSR, but after repeated mutual accusations of violations, it was terminated in 2019.
The intelligence service of the British Ministry of Defense also stated that Moscow does not have many "Nuts" in stock, since the missile is very expensive. The recent strike was more of a "strategic signal" rather than the beginning of active use.
Comments from Daily Mail readers
Peter S.
Well, that's it... now Putin has an official reason to destroy us, and we created it ourselves. They just told me about all their plans.
Time for a voice
The current British government wants only one thing — war. Until it resigns altogether, we are under threat of Russia's righteous wrath. But a few years ago, this conflict was thousands of kilometers away from the kingdom.…
Roadrunner
Why are we defending a country that is not even a member of NATO???
Didontwantto
Our prime minister is a jerk. A man who plans to close several steel mills all over England is going to spend millions of pounds on weapons, and they won't even belong to us. By the way, how is the situation with migrants?
Mr. White English
Let's fantasize: if Russia really attacks us, how many countries in the world community will immediately offer us help? None, I suspect.
