Russia threatens to strike UK military sites over missile technology support to Ukraine

Russia has issued a sharp warning to the UK and France over their decision to help Ukraine build its own missile production capacity, threatening military retaliation against British targets.

Russian foreign ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said that by handing over so-called assembly functions to Ukraine, London and Paris are trying to shed responsibility for strikes carried out deep inside Russian territory. She insisted this would not work, arguing that both countries bear direct responsibility for any Ukrainian attacks using British weapons technology, and that Russia would respond by striking British military facilities in Ukraine and elsewhere.

Zakharova also singled out Germany, claiming Berlin is seeking to build the strongest army in Europe while the UK and France announce steps to transfer military technology to Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy. She accused all three countries of fuelling the Ukrainian crisis.

Background

The Russian statement follows an announcement earlier this week by UK minister Andy Burnham that the government will release blueprints for British-made components used in the Scalp missile, the French equivalent of Britain's Storm Shadow cruise missile. The move would allow Ukraine to work with France to manufacture its own version of the missile rather than relying solely on supplied weapons.

Sharing production technology, rather than only finished weapons, is seen as a way for Western allies to help Ukraine build longer-term manufacturing capability. Moscow has framed the move as direct involvement in strikes on its territory, warning that it will not distinguish between assembled-in-Ukraine and British-supplied weapons when considering retaliation.