Russia's Defense Ministry said long-range Storm Shadow missiles hit a polymer factory and a meat processing plant in Luhansk on May 12.

“Ukraine used Storm Shadow air-to-air missiles supplied by the UK in the attack. This contradicts London's statements that these weapons will not be used against civilian targets,” the Russian Defense Ministry said.

According to the Russian Defense Ministry, the country's military launched missiles that shot down two Ukrainian fighter jets - a Su-24 and a MiG-29.

In its latest news, the Russian Defense Ministry also said that Russian forces had taken control of a residential area east of the city of Bakhmut.

On May 11, Britain became the first country to supply Kiev with long-range cruise missiles. The Storm Shadow missiles are said to give Ukraine the ability to strike deep into Russian territory.

The Kremlin said Britain's decision to supply Ukraine with long-range Storm Shadow missiles would force Moscow to take an "adequate response" . Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said it was an " extremely negative" move by London.

Ukraine has repeatedly requested long-range strike capabilities, but Western countries have refused to provide such weapons, arguing that such a move could escalate tensions as it would give Ukraine the ability to strike Russian territory.

Ukraine is reportedly planning a counterattack. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said his country's military needed more time to prepare for the attack. He said the counterattack against Russian troops was delayed in part due to a lack of weapons and armored vehicles.

Kong Anh (Source: AFP)