An ex-tory defence secretary yesterday joined calls for Ukraine to be allowed to unleash Western-supplied rockets inside Russia. Ben Wallace (pictured), speaking as Kyiv-led forces continued their shock invasion of Kremlin territory, stated that 'Ukraine should be allowed' to fire the Storm Shadow missiles.

It comes after the White House denied reports it was blocking a request by the UK for Ukraine to use the missiles. Mr Wallace, who stepped down last year, was behind the UK initially providing Ukraine with Storm Shadow missiles – which have a range of over 155 miles and are highly accurate. By contrast, the US-supplied Himars missiles have a range of around 50 miles.

Both weapons have proved effective in striking Russian military infrastructure on the Crimean Peninsula and in eastern Ukraine.

Neither has been used amid its incursion in the Kursk region due to restrictions imposed by the White House – apparently because this would represent an escalation of the conflict.

Frustrations over the failure to employ the long-range rockets came as Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky suffered another blow yesterday. It emerged that Germany, to date the second biggest international donor of weapons to Kyiv, intends to suspend military aid due to budgetary constraints.

Berlin said it will adhere to existing agreements but it has reportedly asked Kyiv not to submit further requests. Meanwhile, Ukraine has continued its successful moves into southern Russia, destroying bridges required by the Kremlin to transport troops and equipment.

Mr Zelensky has said the purpose of the Ukrainian invasion – the first on Kremlin soil since the Second World War – is to create a 'buffer zone'. The move is considered a game-changer, as it gives Ukraine leverage in any negotiations.

At the weekend, Mr Zelensky said: 'It is crucial that our partners remove barriers that hinder us from weakening Russian positions in the way this war demands. Long-range capabilities are the answer to the most critical strategic questions of this war.'

However, contrary to expectations, a fortnight after the Ukrainian invasion president Vladimir Putin has so far declined to redeploy large numbers of troops to liberate the Kursk region. 

And in a blow to Putin, it emerged yesterday his ally Narendra Modi, prime minister of India, is expected to visit Ukraine next week.

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