Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky claims Britain is ‘slowing down’ support for his country’s fight against Russia as he demands lifting of restrictions on use of UK’s Storm Shadow missiles

Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Britain of “slowing down” support for Ukraine as he demands “barriers” be removed in his country’s fight against Russia.

The Ukrainian president has stepped up his campaign to ease restrictions on the use of Britain’s powerful Storm Shadow missiles, which have a range of about 250 kilometres.

Mr. Zelensky this month oversaw a Ukrainian incursion into Russia’s Kursk region, which he said was intended to create a buffer zone to prevent further cross-border attacks by Moscow.

Britain has given the green light for the use of British-donated weapons on Russian soil as part of Ukraine’s self-defense.

The only exception is the Storm Shadow missiles, which are off-limits outside Ukraine’s borders, but Zelensky said “long-range missiles” are “essential.”

His team claims that easing British restrictions on the use of weapons could “turn the tide of the war”.

The Ukrainian president has stepped up his campaign to lift restrictions on the use of Britain’s powerful Storm Shadow missiles, which have a range of about 250 kilometres.

A Ukrainian soldier fires a Browning machine gun mounted on a Humvee military vehicle during a training exercise in the Sumy region, near the Russian border

In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Mr Zelesnky said: “We are doing everything we can to provide our fighters with the necessary weapons and reinforcements.

“It is critical that our partners remove the barriers that prevent us from weakening Russia’s position in the way this war requires.

‘Long-range capabilities are the answer to the most crucial strategic questions of this war.

‘The courage of our soldiers and the resilience of our combat brigades compensate for the lack of critical decisions by our partners.

‘We could definitively deprive the occupiers of the ability to advance and wreak havoc if our long-range capabilities were sufficient.’

He added: ‘During this war we have seen the UK show real leadership – in weapons, politics and support for Ukrainian society.

‘This has saved thousands of lives, which is a reflection of the strength of the UK. Unfortunately, the situation has slowed down recently.

“We will discuss how to solve this, because long-range capabilities are vital for us. The whole world sees how effective Ukrainians are — how our whole nation defends its independence.”

Former Conservative MP Grant Shapps, a former defence secretary, demanded that Sir Keir provide “urgent reassurances” to Zelensky over Britain’s support for Ukraine.

He posted on X: ‘The Starmer government must avoid any impression that it is not fully supporting Ukraine.

“It is important that Starmer urgently reassures President Zelenskyy (in words and deeds) that the UK remains steadfast in our support.”

A government spokesman said Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer maintained his “unwavering” support for Ukraine, a position he said had not changed since Ukraine invaded Russia.

They said: ‘That’s why in his first week as president he committed to £3 billion a year in support for Ukraine for as long as it lasts.

‘Within hours of this government being elected, more deadly aid was sent to Kiev, adding to the £12 billion of British aid already pledged and ensuring that vital military equipment reached Ukrainian soldiers on the front.’

Since August 6, Ukrainian troops have been conducting a military incursion into the Russian region of Kursk.

The UK has pledged £12.5 billion in aid to Ukraine since February 2022, including £7.6 billion for military aid. This includes £3 billion for military aid in 2024/25.

The new package of lethal aid for Ukraine includes a quarter of a million rounds of 50-caliber ammunition, 90 Brimstone anti-tank missiles, 50 small military boats, 40 mine-clearing vehicles and 10 AS-90 artillery guns.

Ukrainian forces also received 61 bulldozers and support for previously donated AS-90s from the United Kingdom.