Zelenskyy confirms France, UK cleared Ukraine to produce Storm Shadow/SCALP

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on Aug. 25 that the United Kingdom and France have given permission for the production of Storm Shadow/SCALP missiles in Ukraine. French President Emmanuel Macron had previously confirmed the lifting of restrictions on these missiles and the related licenses. Zelensky expressed satisfaction with the decision in a Telegram post, stating it as a strong and positive move.

Estonian President Alar Karis, who was in Ukraine to discuss military support and broader cooperation, arrived on Aug. 24 to mark the country's Independence Day. The United Kingdom has agreed to share classified technical details about British-made components of the SCALP missiles with Ukraine through its defense company MBDA. However, Russia has criticized this move, accusing it of escalating tensions and alleging that Russia is already collecting information about potential missile production sites in Ukraine.

Zelensky also revealed that Ukraine anticipates receiving a timeline within seven to ten days to advance the Freyja project, a collaborative anti-ballistic missile system initiative by European and Ukrainian defense firms. Norway has pledged $9 billion in financial assistance for Ukraine in 2027, separate from EU funding, with Oslo expressing interest in financing the Freyja project.

Additionally, Ukraine secured confirmation of receiving Crotale air defense systems and their VT-1 missiles, along with AIM missiles and extra Patriot system missiles. The specific country providing these additional resources was not disclosed. Karis emphasized Estonia's efforts to assist Ukraine in acquiring more air defense systems, emphasizing their commitment to preventing Russian missiles from hitting civilians and infrastructure.