France has granted Ukraine permission to use its SCALP missiles for strikes deep within Russian territory. This decision aligns with similar approvals from the U.S. and U.K., allowing Ukraine to deploy ATACMS and Storm Shadow missiles against strategic targets in Russia. This marks a significant policy shift, as NATO and Western nations had previously limited Ukraine to using such weapons solely within its own borders against Russian forces.

A key aspect of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s proposed victory plan was securing approval to target Russian assets with long-range missiles. While these authorizations from France, the U.S., and the U.K. bolster Ukraine’s defense efforts, they have also provoked a strong reaction from Russia.

Ukraine is already in possession of French long-range SCALP missiles (SCALP-EG 1300 KG), which it used to strike Russian head quarter of Black Sea Fleet in 2023 by defeating Russian air defense in Sevastopol, Crimea. Now, they will be able to fire it into Russian mainland.

Moscow has labeled the move a major escalation and recently launched Oreshnik hypersonic missiles with multiple warheads into Dnipro, Ukraine. Additionally, Russia has threatened more such strikes in the future and accused the U.S. and U.K. of direct involvement in the war, warning of potential retaliatory measures against them.

The current geopolitical landscape presents an uncertain path to peace, as Ukraine’s ability to strike within Russia using western long-range missiles enhances its offensive potential but simultaneously complicates efforts for a ceasefire. But The West’s decision including French SCALP missiles, likely reflects a strategic effort to strengthen Ukraine’s defense and deterrence while intensifying pressure on Russia.

Russia has also escalated its approach by deploying North Korean soldiers earlier, firing Iranian drones in Ukraine, and receiving technological, diplomatic support from China. The involvement of advanced weaponry and threats directed at NATO countries heightens tensions and risks destabilizing international relations, potentially leading to a broader conflict.

It is obvious that the outgoing administration in Washington intends to take steps, and they have been talking about this, to continue adding fuel to the fire and provoking further escalation of tensions around this conflict.

Dmitry Peskov, Spokesman, Russia

For now, Ukraine appears determined to take full advantage of this new approval, while Russia signals its readiness to counter with equally robust measures by striking Ukraine with IRBMs. The situation remains unstable, with the potential for further escalation growing larger.

Top 5 Facts about SCALP Missiles:

• It is a conventional cruising system & has a mass of 1300 KG
• It has a range of maximum 400 KM, having a speed of Mach 0.95
• It is a fire and forget missile, programmed before it is launched
• It can carry 500 KG Warhead
• SCALP Missile can be carried by MIRAGE-2000, Ukrainian Su-24 Fighters & the Eurofighter