Russia Warns It Could Strike UK Military Targets Over Ukraine’s Use of British Missiles

MOSCOW: Russia has warned that it could target British military facilities in and outside Ukraine in response to Kyiv’s use of British-supplied long-range missiles against Russian targets, escalating tensions between Moscow and London.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Britain’s support for Ukraine was approaching what Moscow considers direct involvement in attacks against Russia. She warned of “catastrophic consequences” if London does not reconsider its policy of providing military assistance to Kyiv.

The warning follows Britain’s recent decision to provide Ukraine with classified technology to support domestic production of Storm Shadow cruise missiles. Moscow has strongly criticized the move, arguing that it could further deepen Western involvement in the conflict.

Zakharova also criticized France for supporting the transfer of missile technology, accusing both countries of “playing with fire.” Moscow has repeatedly warned Western countries that supplying increasingly sophisticated weapons to Ukraine could lead to a broader confrontation.

The latest tensions come after Russia accused Ukraine of using a Storm Shadow missile in an attack on a shopping centre in Donetsk that reportedly injured civilians. Ukraine and Russia have repeatedly traded accusations over attacks on civilian areas, while both sides deny deliberately targeting civilians.

The Kremlin has previously described Britain’s assistance to Ukraine as an escalation of the conflict. Earlier this month, Moscow warned London of consequences over the reported use of British-made drones in Ukrainian long-range strikes against Russian targets. Britain, however, has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Ukraine.

The latest Russian warning comes amid intensified fighting and long-range strikes. Russia launched a large-scale missile and drone attack across several Ukrainian regions on Thursday, targeting infrastructure, industrial facilities and other sites, while Ukraine has continued attacks against Russian military and logistical infrastructure.

The exchange of threats underscores the growing risk of direct confrontation between Russia and Western states as Britain and other European allies expand military assistance to Ukraine.