Russia could target British military facilities and equipment both within and outside Ukraine in response to Kyiv's use of UK-supplied weapons against Russian territory, said Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry. Speaking at a press conference on 27/8, Zakharova stated, "Those who commit crimes, especially against Russian civilians, will face proportionate punishment."

Zakharova urged Britain to recognize the dangerous consequences of such policies, asserting that London "should abandon its hostile approach, which could escalate the conflict to a completely different level."

The warning came a day after Russia accused Ukraine of launching a Storm Shadow missile at a shopping center in Donetsk, the provincial capital, on 26/8, injuring 8 civilians, including children.

Storm Shadow cruise missile on a Ukrainian Su-24 attack aircraft in a photo released in 8/2024. Photo: Ministry of Defense of Ukraine.

The Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson also noted that Russia is monitoring Britain's transfer of classified data to Ukraine for the production of Storm Shadow/SCALP-EG cruise missiles. France had previously agreed to license the use of technology for this weapon model.

Zakharova further claimed, "By transferring the Storm Shadow missile assembly process to Ukraine, Britain and France are seeking to disclaim responsibility for deep strikes into Russian territory."

British officials have not yet commented on this information. The development follows Prime Minister Andy Burnham's visit to Kyiv earlier this week, where he announced an agreement allowing Ukraine access to classified information on British-made components within Storm Shadow missiles. This agreement aims to enable Ukraine to produce a domestic version for use in the conflict.

Britain and France provided the first batch of Storm Shadow/SCALP-EG missiles to Ukraine in 5/2023. The Ukrainian military has repeatedly stated using these weapons to strike targets in Russia and Moscow-controlled territories.

Russia has recovered several nearly intact Storm Shadow missiles, enabling the development of countermeasures. The Russian military has successfully intercepted Storm Shadow missile attacks multiple times, while Ukrainian forces have reduced their usage due to dwindling stockpiles.

Nguyen Tien (According to Reuters, RIA Novosti)