Russia Warns of Possible Strikes on British Military Targets

Russia issued a warning on Thursday about potential strikes on British military targets inside and outside Ukraine. The warning followed allegations from Moscow that Ukraine used British Storm Shadow missiles in an attack on a shopping center in Russian-controlled Donetsk, injuring civilians, including children.

Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, stated that Britain is nearing legal complicity in civilian-targeted terrorism. She cautioned against a hostile approach, stating that failure to adjust could result in catastrophic consequences, as reported by Reuters.

Zakharova highlighted that any British military installations and equipment in Ukraine or beyond might be targeted in retaliation for Ukrainian strikes on Russian territory using British weapons. She urged British leaders to abandon aggressive policies to prevent an escalation of the conflict.

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham visited Ukraine on August 24 for Independence Day. During the visit, he announced that a defense contractor might disclose classified details about British components used in the long-range SCALP cruise missile, as Ukraine and France aim to establish assembly lines in Ukraine.

Russia should be in no doubt about the resolve of this Government to stand against Russian aggression, in Ukraine and against the UK and our allies.

The SCALP missile, which is the French version of Britain’s Storm Shadow, can hit targets over 155 miles away. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov accused the UK of actively participating in the war and escalating the situation.

A representative for Britain’s Ministry of Defence informed Reuters that the UK remains committed to supporting Ukraine against President Vladimir Putin’s illegal invasion. They emphasized solidarity with Ukraine and readiness to provide necessary defense equipment.

Russia warned Britain on August 17 about potential repercussions after The Times reported the use of British-made drones by Ukraine to hit military and industrial sites in Russia for the first time. While Britain’s Ministry of Defence did not confirm drone usage, Burnham, during his visit to Kyiv, criticized Russia’s threats and reaffirmed steadfast support for Ukraine.

Zakharova’s comments emerged as President Donald Trump downplayed threats of a broader war, stating to Axios that he wasn’t worried about Russia attacking a NATO member.

Meanwhile, Sergei Naryshkin, head of Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service, met with CIA Director John Ratcliffe in Moscow earlier this week. Naryshkin described the meeting as routine and focused on intelligence service matters, according to Reuters.

Trump echoed Ratcliffe’s visit as semi-routine in a conversation with Axios.