Russia has issued a warning to the UK regarding potential strikes on military targets, citing Ukraine’s use of British missiles as a catalyst for escalating tensions.
Russia has threatened to target British military installations both inside and outside Ukraine following accusations that Kyiv utilized Storm Shadow missiles against Russian-controlled areas, particularly in Donetsk.
The warning was issued on Thursday, with Russian officials asserting that if Ukraine continues to deploy long-range British cruise missiles against deep Russian targets, retaliation would be imminent. This statement followed claims from Moscow that Ukraine had struck a shopping center in Donetsk using these British missiles, resulting in civilian injuries, including children.
Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, stated that Britain was “one step away” from becoming legally complicit in what she termed civilian-targeted “terrorism.” She cautioned that failure to alter this trajectory would lead to “catastrophic consequences,” as reported by Reuters.
“We have repeatedly warned that any British military installations and equipment in Ukraine and beyond its borders could be targeted in response to Ukrainian strikes on Russian territory carried out using British weapons,” Zakharova said during a news briefing in Moscow.
She urged British leaders to “immediately, in the most resolute and unequivocal manner, abandon the hostile, aggressive line” to avert an escalation of the conflict to an “entirely new level.”
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham visited Ukraine on August 24 to commemorate Independence Day, during which he announced that a defense contractor might disclose classified information regarding British components used in the long-range SCALP cruise missile. This missile is the French variant of the UK’s Storm Shadow and is capable of striking targets over 155 miles away.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov remarked that the UK was “participating in the war” and “pouring fuel on the fire.” In response, a spokesperson for the UK’s Ministry of Defense reaffirmed London’s commitment to supporting Ukraine, stating that the UK stands “shoulder to shoulder” with Kyiv in its defense against President Vladimir Putin’s “illegal invasion.”
“Russia should be in no doubt about the resolve of this government to stand against Russian aggression in Ukraine and against the U.K. and our allies,” the spokesperson added.
During his visit to Kyiv, Burnham condemned Russia’s “outrageous threats” and emphasized that Britain’s support for Ukraine would remain steadfast. He also addressed a previous warning from Russia on August 17, which indicated that the UK would face a “price” for its involvement after reports emerged that British-made drones had been used in strikes against military and industrial targets within Russia for the first time.
The UK’s Ministry of Defense did not confirm whether British drones were indeed utilized in these operations. Zakharova’s comments coincided with remarks from former President Donald Trump, who downplayed concerns regarding a broader conflict, stating he was not worried about a Russian attack on a NATO member.
In a related development, Sergei Naryshkin, head of Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR), confirmed a meeting with CIA Director John Ratcliffe in Moscow earlier this week. Naryshkin described the meeting as routine, focusing on matters relevant to their respective intelligence services, according to Reuters.
Trump characterized Ratcliffe’s visit as “semi-routine,” further indicating a level of diplomatic engagement amid rising tensions.
Fox News Digital has reached out to 10 Downing Street for comment on the situation.
According to Reuters, the ongoing conflict and escalating threats highlight the precarious nature of international relations in the region.