# UK and France missile technology transfer to Ukraine

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/uk-and-france-missile-technology-transfer-to-ukraine
> Updated: 2026-08-24T15:45:13.000Z. Sources: 98. Developments: 2.

The United Kingdom and France have authorized Ukraine to independently manufacture long-range missiles, specifically the Storm Shadow and SCALP systems, by providing classified technical data and designs. This move is intended to enhance Ukraine’s capacity to strike targets deep within Russian territory.

In response to these developments, the Kremlin has condemned the decision, with spokesperson Dmitry Peskov accusing the United Kingdom of “adding fuel to the fire” and participating directly in the conflict. Russian officials stated that military forces are working to identify and destroy potential Ukrainian missile production sites. 

Diplomatic tensions between London and Moscow have also escalated, marked by the recall of the Russian Ambassador to the UK, Andrey Kelin. While the Russian Embassy indicated the withdrawal does not signal a formal downgrade in relations, the move is viewed as a protest against British military support for Ukraine.

## Claims

- Andrey Kelin left his post on July 21, and Moscow has not yet named a successor. (corroborated by 25 sources)
- The Russian Embassy accused the UK government of choosing a path of confrontation. (corroborated by 25 sources)
- Ukrainian forces used British-made drones to strike targets inside Russian territory. (corroborated by 23 sources)
- The Russian Embassy in London is currently being led by a chargé d’affaires. (corroborated by 22 sources)
- Andrey Kelin made significant efforts to maintain communication channels with the UK. (corroborated by 16 sources)
- The Russian Embassy stated that the withdrawal of the ambassador does not imply an intention to downgrade diplomatic relations. (corroborated by 11 sources)
- Dmitry Peskov accused Britain of preventing peace by providing technical information for SCALP missile production. (corroborated by 10 sources)
- The Russian Embassy claimed bilateral relations have reached an unprecedentedly low level due to London's initiatives. (corroborated by 7 sources)
- The UK will share Storm Shadow technology with Ukraine to enable domestic production. (corroborated by 7 sources)
- Dmitry Peskov stated that Russian forces are collecting data to identify and destroy Ukrainian missile production sites. (corroborated by 5 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-24: UK and France authorize long-range missile production for Ukraine

The UK and France have authorized Ukraine to build its own long-range missiles, including Storm Shadow designs, to strike targets inside Russia.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/uk-and-france-authorize-long-range-missile-production-for-ukraine

### 2026-08-23: UK to share Storm Shadow technology with Ukraine as Russia recalls ambassador

The UK will share Storm Shadow missile technology with Ukraine for domestic production, prompting Kremlin warnings and the recall of Russia's ambassador from London amid escalating tensions.

94 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/russia-recalls-ambassador-to-the-united-kingdom

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Cite as: UK and France missile technology transfer to Ukraine. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/uk-and-france-missile-technology-transfer-to-ukraine
