Shoigu-Use Of HIMARS In Crimea Would Mean US & UK Involved In Conflict

State-run RIA reportingcomments from Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu claiming that Ukrainian armed forces are planning to launch attacks on Crimea using HIMARS (light rocket launchers) and Storm Shadow cruise missiles. Shoigu claims that the "use of these missiles outside the special operation zone will mean the full involvement of the US and UK in the conflict and would entail immediate strikes on decision-making centers on the territory of Ukraine."

• Previous comments about NATO members becoming embroiled in the conflict have not led to outright confrontation between the alliance and Russia, but the risk of escalation through miscalculation remains a threat to regional stability.
• Shoigu's comments come as Ukraine's counteroffensive against the Russian invasion continues to develop. Shoigu claims that Ukrainian forces have launched 263 attacks on Russian positions in occupied territory since 4 June. The minister alleged that, "Thanks to the competent and selfless actions of our units, all of them were repulsed, the enemy did not achieve their goals,"
• While still very early into the Ukrainian counteroffensive, initial reports suggest that Kyiv's forces are finding it difficult to break down well-established Russian defensive positions even with the materiel boost of Western armoured vehicles and modern tanks. Nevertheless, given the counteroffensive has only been underway for a short period of time, it remains too soon to judge whether it has been effective.