Russia warns UK military targets could face strikes over Ukraine

The warning came from Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova during a briefing in Moscow. She said Britain could face serious consequences if it continued supporting Ukraine with long-range weapons.

Zakharova accused London of moving closer to becoming directly involved in attacks that Russia says are targeting its civilians. She warned that continued British support could push the conflict into a new and more dangerous phase.

She referred specifically to Storm Shadow cruise missiles supplied by Britain and France. Ukraine has used the missiles against Russian military targets, including locations in areas Moscow claims as its territory.

“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.

She urged British leaders to change what Moscow described as an aggressive policy. According to Zakharova, continuing along the current path could create “inevitable catastrophic consequences” and increase the risk of a wider confrontation.

Britain rejects Russia’s warning

Britain has rejected Moscow’s position and said it remains committed to helping Ukraine defend itself against Russia’s invasion.

A spokesperson for the British Ministry of Defence said London stood “shoulder to shoulder” with Ukraine. The official also stressed that Britain would continue providing Kyiv with equipment needed for its defence.

“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 spokesperson told Reuters.

The latest exchange follows a British decision to give Ukraine access to classified technology linked to Storm Shadow missiles. The move could allow Kyiv to begin producing versions of the long-range weapon domestically.

Storm Shadow missiles are designed to hit targets deep behind enemy lines. Their ability to reach distant targets has made them an important part of Ukraine’s effort to strike Russian military infrastructure.

The Kremlin has criticised Britain’s decision, accusing London of adding “fuel to the fire”. Moscow has repeatedly warned Western countries against increasing military assistance to Ukraine.

Russia has previously issued warnings about Western weapons being used against targets inside Russian territory. However, analysts said the latest statement appeared particularly strong because of the new British technology agreement.

Trump rules out Russian attack on NATO

Amid the growing tension, US President Donald Trump said Russia would not attack NATO territory.

Trump was asked about reports that Washington had concerns over possible Russian military action against European NATO members. He said Russian President Vladimir Putin was “not going to attack” NATO territory.

“I’ve had good talks with him. He’s not going to be attacking a Nato territory,” Trump told reporters at the White House.

Trump was also asked about reports that CIA Director John Ratcliffe had travelled to Moscow for discussions with Russian officials. Reports suggested the visit could have included a warning against any attack on the NATO alliance.

“I don’t want to comment on that, but they’re not going to attack,” Trump said.

His comments came as Western governments continue to monitor the risk of the Ukraine conflict spreading beyond the battlefield. NATO members have repeatedly strengthened their defences while supporting Ukraine with weapons and other assistance.

The possibility of a wider confrontation remains one of the biggest concerns surrounding the conflict. Any direct attack on a NATO member could create a much larger crisis because of the alliance’s collective defence commitments.

France also faces criticism from Moscow

Russia’s warning was not limited to Britain. Zakharova also criticised France for supporting the transfer of sensitive missile technology to Ukraine.

She said Britain and France were “playing with fire” by helping Ukraine develop capabilities that could be used for long-range attacks.

France has already agreed to license technology for the European missile system. Moscow views such cooperation as another sign that Western countries are becoming increasingly involved in Ukraine’s military operations.

Zakharova also criticised British Prime Minister Andy Burnham, accusing him of supporting an escalation in the conflict. Her comments reflected Moscow’s broader criticism of Western leaders who support increased military assistance to Kyiv.

Russia maintains that Western weapons supplied to Ukraine are contributing directly to attacks on Russian territory. Western governments, meanwhile, argue that Ukraine has the right to defend itself against Russia’s invasion.

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Disputed attack adds to tensions

The latest warning came after Russia accused Ukraine of using British Storm Shadow missiles in an attack on a shopping centre in the Russian-controlled city of Donetsk.

Moscow said the strike injured civilians, including children. Ukraine did not immediately comment on the accusation, while Reuters said it could not independently verify the details.

Both Russia and Ukraine have denied intentionally targeting civilians during the conflict. Nevertheless, civilian areas have repeatedly been affected by fighting and long-range strikes since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in 2022.

The dispute over missile use highlights the growing risks surrounding Western weapons supplied to Ukraine. As Kyiv seeks longer-range capabilities, Moscow has increasingly warned that such support could lead to direct confrontation with Western countries.