The British analytical center Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) has assessed the impact of Storm Shadow missiles on the course of the war in Ukraine.
Matthew Saville, the director of military sciences at RUSI, stated that permission to strike Russian territory, including the Kursk region, will not be a turning point.
In an interview with The Times, Saville noted that the missiles are a scarce resource, and Ukraine is using them with utmost caution.
"The impact of Storm Shadows will be quite limited and concentrated around the Kursk region," he emphasized.
At the same time, the analyst pointed out the worsening situation in eastern Ukraine due to the active advancement of Russian troops. Despite significant losses, Russian forces have intensified their offensive over the past month. According to Saville, Ukrainian soldiers are experiencing severe exhaustion both physically and mentally, with no time for respite.
Ukraine's successes in the Kursk region could play a crucial role in potential negotiations after Donald Trump's inauguration. To maintain the front until the political landscape changes, the U.S. has decided to supply anti-personnel mines to Ukraine.
Analysts are paying particular attention to winter weather conditions, which could significantly affect the situation on the front. A mild winter will slow down the Russian offensive, whereas severe frosts, on the contrary, will create conditions for the advancement of Russian troops due to the frozen ground.
There are concerns that even with potential negotiations for a ceasefire after Trump's inauguration, there are no guarantees of cooperation from either side. As mentioned in the article, Russia is interested in prolonging the conflict to gain additional advantages.