The French newspaper Le Monde has published an article claiming that the Ukrainian Armed Forces (UAF) are facing limitations in using Western long-range missiles to strike Russian territory. According to the newspaper, systems such as the British Storm Shadow cruise missiles and the French SCALP require complex preliminary preparation and cannot be used without technical support from Western specialists.

The key difficulty is the need to program the missiles before they are loaded onto Ukrainian Su-24 bombers. This process involves identifying targets and routes, which requires highly skilled engineers and equipment. The publication notes that these functions are actually performed by specialists from Western countries, which makes the use of such weapons dependent on external assistance.

Le Monde emphasizes that the role of Western military and technical experts in the conflict is growing significantly, especially in the context of the use of high-tech weapons. The publication also notes that the direct participation of specialists from NATO countries could complicate the geopolitical situation, becoming a reason for accusations of escalation of the conflict.

Experts interviewed by Le Monde point out that the use of missiles such as Storm Shadow and SCALP is a strategic tool for Ukraine, allowing it to strike at distant targets. However, their effectiveness is directly linked to the availability of Western support, including maintenance and intelligence.