According to Reuters, on August 27 local time, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Zaharova warned that if Ukraine uses British weapons to attack targets within Russia, Russia may strike British military targets both within and outside Ukraine.
The report indicates that this warning is the most stringent stance that Russia has issued towards the UK to date. Zaharova stated that the UK is just one step away from becoming a "terrorist accomplice" against Russian civilians on legal grounds. If the UK does not change its policies, it will lead to "catastrophic consequences".
Zaharova stated that according to information available to Russia, the UK has transferred technical data related to the self-assembly of the ‘Storm Shadow’ cruise missiles by Ukrainian companies. She also mentioned that French President Macron announced a similar technology transfer plan, which was not implemented due to lack of time. Public information indicates that the ‘Storm Shadow’ was developed jointly by the UK and France.
She pointed out that the UK and France have transferred the missile assembly functions to Ukraine, thereby shedding their responsibility for striking targets deep within Russia.
Zaharova said, “We have warned multiple times that if Ukraine uses British weapons to attack Russian territory, all British military facilities and equipment located within and outside of Ukraine could become targets.”
We suggest that the British leadership again prudently evaluate the situation, and with the most decisive and clear-cut attitude, abandon the route filled with aggressive intentions. This route will only bring about conflict escalation to a whole new level of risk. She said.
In the day before Zhahrova’s warning, Russia accused Ukraine of using British “Storm Shadow” missiles to attack a shopping center in Donetsk, eastern Ukraine. Russia said that the attack caused injuries to civilians, including children, and that the city was under Russian control.
