Ukraine war: Russian navy launches 'scarce' land attack cruise missiles

Russia has launched land attack cruise missiles against Ukraine, a capability it sees as important to "any hypothetical conflict with Nato", the Ministry of Defence (MOD) has said.

In the latest defence intelligence update, the MOD said the Russian Navy's Black Sea Fleet vessels launched eight SS-N-30a SAGARIS land attack cruise missiles against Ukraine.

The MOD added it was only the second use of Russian Navy land attack cruise missiles reported since 9 March.

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"Up to March 2023, the Russian Navy frequently launched SAGARIS," the MOD said.

"Russia likely temporarily suspended using these weapons because it wanted to rebuild its reserve stocks.

"In the short-term, Russia likely sees LACM as a key capability to strike deep into Ukraine to disrupt anticipated Ukrainian counter-offensives.

"However, more strategically, Russia also sees conventional SAGARIS and other LACMs as having an important role in any hypothetical conflict with NATO."

The MOD also said using the "scarce and expensive weapons" was one dilemma facing Russian commanders as the war in Ukraine has gone on for longer than they initially thought.

It comes after it was the UK confirmed it was supplying Ukraine with long-range Storm Shadow missiles which have a range of up to 155 miles.

The longer-range missiles will mean Ukrainian pilots can engage targets from a much greater range than previously.

It comes after Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky, during a visit to the UK, asked for long-range missiles and fighter jets to help his country defend itself against Russia.