UK agrees to share Storm Shadow missile blueprints with Ukraine
This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced on August 24, 2026, that defense firm MBDA may release classified information on UK components used in the Storm Shadow missile, enabling Ukraine to domestically manufacture SCALP missiles. Russia accused the UK of 'pouring fuel on the fire' and said its armed forces are gathering data to identify and destroy production sites. Burnham rejected the criticism, asking 'Who started the fire?'
Key Facts
- UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham visited Ukraine on August 24, 2026, to meet President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and reiterate support.
- The UK agreed that MBDA can release classified information on UK components used in the Storm Shadow missile.
- Ukraine will be able to domestically manufacture SCALP missiles, the French-produced version of the UK's Storm Shadow.
- Russia's Presidential Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov accused the UK of 'pouring fuel on the fire' and preventing progress in peace settlement.
- Russia announced on August 23, 2026, that its ambassador to the UK had concluded his time in London, citing relations at an 'unprecedentedly low level'.
UK Missile Technology Transfer
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced on August 24, 2026, that defense firm MBDA can release classified information on UK components used in the Storm Shadow missile. Under the plan, Ukraine will be able to domestically manufacture SCALP missiles, the French-produced version of the UK's Storm Shadow. Ukraine and France previously held talks in June 2026 to allow Kyiv to manufacture SCALP cruise missiles domestically. Burnham said during the visit: 'On Ukraine's 35th anniversary of independence, the Ukrainian people should be in no doubt: the UK is behind you today and for as long as it takes.'
Russian Response
Dmitry Peskov, Russia's Presidential Press Secretary, reacted angrily to the news and accused the UK of inflaming the conflict. Peskov said: 'Britain is methodically and consistently pouring fuel on the fire and constantly scheming to prevent any progress in the peace settlement process.' The statement added that Russia's Armed Forces are gathering data to identify production sites for such missiles and other military equipment and are taking measures to destroy them. Burnham hit back at a press conference in Ukraine, saying: 'Who started the fire? That's the question, isn't it.'
Deteriorating UK-Russia Relations
On August 23, 2026, Russia announced that its ambassador to the UK had concluded his time in London, citing a deterioration in relations to an 'unprecedentedly low level'. So far threats from Russia have failed to deter the UK from supporting Ukraine in its fight against the Russian invasion. Burnham added: 'The friendship between our two countries will long outlast Russia's illegal war. In both the fight and in the rebuilding to come, we will stand with Ukraine and deliver opportunities for people across both our countries.'
2 sources
UK agrees to share Storm Shadow missile blueprints with Ukraine
