The United States considers the decision of the British government to transfer Storm Shadow cruise missiles to Kiev as a sovereign step by London, John Kirby, coordinator for strategic communications of the National Security Council at the White House, said on May 12.
"Each country can make these decisions independently, and it should be allowed to speak out about these decisions itself," Kirby said during a briefing.
At the same time, he noted that Washington's position on this issue has not changed and the United States has no plans to transfer such weapons to Kiev.
The day before, the UK Ministry of Defense confirmed the transfer of Storm Shadow cruise missiles to Ukraine.
Deputy Prime Minister of the Crimean government and Permanent Representative of the Republic to the administration of the President of Russia Georgy Muradov pointed out that Britain risks becoming devastated after the delivery of missiles to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
In addition, the Russian Foreign Ministry stressed that Moscow regards this decision as extremely hostile actions by London aimed at further pumping Ukraine with weapons. Responsibility for their consequences lies entirely "on the authors and perpetrators of this reckless step," the department added.
Western countries have increased military and financial support for Ukraine after the start of Russia's special operation to protect Donbass. The decision to hold it was announced on February 24, 2022 against the background of the aggravation of the situation in the region due to the increased shelling by Ukrainian troops.