Russian Foreign Ministry Threatens UK With Strikes on Military Facilities Over Ukraine Support

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said at a press briefing that the United Kingdom and France are "playing with fire" by supporting Ukraine, and warned that British military facilities — both inside Ukraine and beyond its borders — could become targets of retaliatory strikes. Her remarks came after London announced it would give Kyiv access to declassified production blueprints for components of Storm Shadow missiles.

"We have repeatedly warned that any British military facilities and equipment — whether in Ukraine or outside its borders — could become a retaliatory target for strikes on Russian territory carried out with British-made weapons," Zakharova said, according to The Independent.

Missiles and Drones Fuel the Escalation

On Monday, the British government announced it would grant Kyiv access to declassified blueprints for parts of the Storm Shadow missiles produced by British companies. France had already agreed earlier to license European production of the same missiles. Analysts say these steps could significantly help Ukraine develop its own missiles capable of striking targets deep inside Russian territory — though this is likely still several years away.

Tensions between London and the Kremlin have been rising in recent weeks over more than just long-range missiles. Russian diplomats have also accused British authorities of escalating the conflict after it was confirmed that Ukrainian forces have been using drones made by two British companies to strike targets inside Russia.

Britain Vows Not to Back Down

The Russian embassy in London accused Britain of trying to inflict maximum damage on Russia through an intermediary. "London's actions will inevitably entail consequences that will have to be answered for," the embassy said in a statement.

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham responded to the Russian statements by stressing that threats will not intimidate Britain. During a visit to Kyiv on Monday, he said: "Russia should have no doubt about our resolve. Until a just and lasting peace is established, we will not back down."

Source: novinky.cz