Healey refuses to confirm Storm Shadow use in Russia, but doubles down on Ukraine support
The Defence Secretary has refused to be drawn into confirming reports that Ukraine has launched UK-supplied Storm Shadow missiles in Russia, stating that any public debate "would only benefit Putin".
In his first appearance in front of the Defence Committee since taking up the role, John Healey faced a wide range of questions including challenges to Armed Forces readiness, issues relating to service personnel and veterans, and the UK defence commitments, including its support for Ukraine.
Mr Healey insisted the UK's support for Kyiv was "always for self-defence" and compliant with international law, as he accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of wanting "destruction, not peace".
Mr Healey appeared alongside David Williams, the Permanent Under-Secretary of State for Defence, and Lieutenant General Sir Rob Magowan, Deputy Chief of the Defence Staff (Military Capability).
He was asked to confirm reports that said Storm Shadow had been used by Ukraine, following the Russian military reporting that it had shot down two of the long-range weapons.
The Defence Secretary said: "I won't be drawn on the operational details of the conflict.
"It risks operational security and in the end the only one that benefits from such a public debate is President Putin."
According to multiple reports, debris from a Storm Shadow missile was found in Russia's Kursk region, which borders Ukraine, with up to 12 of the missiles having been deployed.
President Putin, meanwhile, has lowered the threshold for Russia to use nuclear weapons, following US President Joe Biden's decision to allow Kyiv to fire US Atacms long-range missiles into Russia.
Citing British intelligence, Mr Healey said the battle lines in Ukraine were now "less stable than at any time since the early days of the full-scale Russian invasion".
"This is a serious moment that I come before the committee," he told MPs.
"While the Ukrainian actions on the battlefield speak for themselves, be in no doubt that the UK Government is stepping up our support for Ukraine, determined to continue doubling down our support for Ukraine."
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer told the House of Commons the UK "will not be deterred or distracted by reckless threats", about Vladimir Putin lowering the threshold for using his nuclear arsenal.
This was widely seen as a response to Mr Biden's announcement he would permit Ukraine to use US-made long-range Atacms missiles.
Sir Keir said: "We have consistently said we'll do what it takes to support Ukraine and put it in the best possible position going into the winter.
"The UK's support for Ukraine is always for self-defence, it is proportionate, co-ordinated, agile and a response to Russia's own actions and it is in accordance with international law."
Downing Street later described unconfirmed reports Russia had launched an ICBM into Ukraine as "deeply concerning".
The Prime Minister's official spokesman said he did "not want to get ahead of our intelligence services who are looking at these reports urgently".
He added: "But if true, clearly this would be another example of grave, reckless and escalatory behaviour from Russia and only serves to strengthen our resolve."
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