BRIT STORM SHADOW MISSILES 'FIRED INTO RUSSIA FOR 1ST TIME'

>> Wreckage is found 50km across border >> Embassies shut in Kyiv as attack feared >> Land mines authorised for use by Biden

- MIKEY SMITH

UKRAINE fired UK Storm Shadow missiles into Russia for the first time yesterday after months of pressure to authorise their launch, according to reports.

Wreckage from one of the long-range weapons was said to have been found in Russia's Kursk region, around 50km from the border with Ukraine.

It came just hours after the US, Spain, Italy and Greece closed their embassies in Kyiv amid warnings that Russia was preparing a significant air attack on the Ukrainian capital.

The UK kept its embassy open but No10 said it kept travel guidance and consular positions "under constant review".

The Biden administration announced it would allow Ukraine to deploy US anti-personnel land mines to help it slow Russia's progress in the war.

Land mines have long been criticised by charities and activists because they present a lingering threat to civilians.