Link to article: https://www.france24.com/en/europe/20260313-russia-summons-uk-french-envoys-over-ukraine-storm-shadow-missile-strike
The Russian Foreign Ministry recently summoned and spoke to British and French ambassadors over recent missile strikes from Ukraine in Bryansk. The missiles were constructed under a British and French joint venture. This discussion was in hopes of inciting a protest against Ukrainian actions. Ukraine has responded saying it used the missiles to hit a factory that creates chips used in missiles. Moscow has considered this a direct provocation of peace talks.
This appears to be Russia looking for other ways to put pressure on Ukraine over attacks. It’s not a particularly impactful method, but if the British and French were to bend it might have some impact. Both Ukraine and Russia both have rational responses. This event essentially means peace talks will break down and the war will continue. No major changes will come unless the other European countries express concerns and slow support. Ukraine should continue putting pressure on Russian military action, while remaining in peace talks. Russia should view talks with more scrutiny following Ukraine’s actions, and pressure Europe to do something.
This connects to what we learned in class about international law. With Russia focusing on the legality of Ukraine’s movement and violation of international laws of Russia’s sovereignty. Russia is using this tactic to try and gain sympathy from the UK and France to push against Ukraine’s actions, nevermind Russia’s violations. In particular Russia could be trying to grow in relation to the UK from their separation from the EU, finding a new ally albeit unlikely. Ukraine is approaching this complication from a more realist approach of prioritizing their security. Russia is taking advantage of the liberal institutions of Western Europe and their loopholes. Since Western Europe sides with Ukraine on almost everything these attempts from Russia will likely be fruitless, but worth a try.