Russia warns European arms factories, including UK sites, could become military targets

In a press briefing, Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova declared that European weapons factories supplying Ukraine constitute legitimate Russian military targets, warning that cities such as those in the United Kingdom could be struck. She argued that European nations are not merely aid providers but are actively participating in the war by hosting arms production, referencing Poland’s potential Patriot missile plant.

The statement arrives amid intensified Russian drone and missile barrages on Kyiv and after President Vladimir Putin called any possible strikes on British sites a “military secret.” Britain plans to send 150,000 drones to Ukraine and has already supplied air-defence missiles from Belfast and artillery from Sheffield, making those locations vulnerable. Earlier this month, Russia threatened to use its full arsenal if NATO acted against Kaliningrad, prompting NATO to condemn the rhetoric. Zakharova’s warning underscores Moscow’s strategy to pressure European support for Kyiv by threatening retaliation against domestic defence industries.