Ukraine plans to change its war strategy with the use of long-range cruise missiles targeting deep inside Russian territory. Kyiv's use of missiles has so far been within its own territory where the Russian military has invaded.

Recent reports suggest that the United Kingdom, a key NATO member, has cleared Ukraine's use of the Storm Shadow cruise missile to target Russian territories. This may push Moscow's red lines in the conflict.

Anticipating a shift in Ukraine's strategy, backed by its NATO allies, Russia, earlier this month, said it has become necessary for Moscow to revise its nuclear doctrine because of the West's escalation of the war in Ukraine.This new development emerges at a time when the war between Russia and Ukraine has greatly intensified. Russia has increased its missile attacks while Ukraine has responded with escalation in drone attacks.

So far, there are restriction on the use of advanced western weaponry on targets within Russian territory, but this is likely to change with such clearances reportedly being issued by the UK.

Ukraine already has the Storm Shadow missile, but uses it only within its territory to combat Russian forces.

THE STORM SHADOW MISSILE

The Storm Shadow is a low-observable, long-range air-launched cruise missile. It is jointly developed by the United Kingdom and France and has a range of around 500 km. It has already been integrated into Ukrainian fighter aircraft, including the Russia-built Su-24 bombers - a legacy of the past, from when Ukraine was part of the erstwhile Soviet Union.

Developed in 1994 and manufactured by Matra and British Aerospace, the Storm Shadow missile is now made by MBDA Systems. 'Storm Shadow' is the weapon's British name, while in France it is called the SCALP-EG.