Russia Threatens Britain Over Use of Long-Range Missiles in Ukraine Conflict

Russia issued a warning on Thursday regarding the potential targeting of British military assets if Kyiv utilizes long-range British cruise missiles against Russian territories. This statement follows Moscow’s accusation that Ukraine used British Storm Shadow missiles in an attack on a shopping center in Russian-controlled Donetsk, causing civilian injuries, including children.

Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, remarked that Britain was close to being complicit in what she alleged to be civilian-targeted terrorism. She cautioned that continuation on this path could lead to severe consequences, as reported by Reuters.

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 stated in Moscow.

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s visit to Ukraine on August 24 for Independence Day resulted in announcements that a defense contractor might disclose classified details about British components in the SCALP missile. This missile, the French version of Britain’s Storm Shadow, can hit targets over 155 miles away.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov criticized the U.K. for participating in the conflict and intensifying the situation. Britain’s Ministry of Defence expressed solidarity with Ukraine, affirming their commitment to provide Ukraine with necessary defensive equipment.

On another front, Russia previously cautioned Britain about repercussions after reports emerged of British-made drones being used in strikes within Russia, targeting military and industrial sites.

Zakharova’s comments come as former U.S. President Donald Trump downplayed the likelihood of Russia attacking a NATO member, expressing little concern over such scenarios.

Separately, Russia’s SVR Chief Sergei Naryshkin confirmed a meeting with CIA Director John Ratcliffe in Moscow, describing it as a routine interaction. Trump similarly labeled Ratcliffe’s visit as routine in an Axios interview.

Fox News Digital’s correspondent Emma Bussey contributed to this report. Prior to Fox, she worked at The Telegraph, covering various desks including foreign, politics, news, sport, and culture.