The Times: Russia warns it will strike British-related targets in retaliation for UK support to Ukraine

Russia has threatened to target British military facilities both inside and outside Ukraine, in response to Kyiv's use of British missiles to strike deep into Russian territory.

Maria Zakharova, official spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, stated, "In response to Ukraine's use of British weapons against Russian territory, our countermeasures may target all British military objectives and equipment located within Ukraine as well as abroad."

Zakharova accused London of direct responsibility for terrorist attacks occurring within Russia, saying, "All individuals who commit war crimes—including atrocities committed against our civilians—will be held legally accountable."

UK Prime Minister Burnham met with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy in Kyiv on August 24. He emphasized that even in the face of "outrageous threats" from Russia, the UK would continue to pressure Moscow. In response to Kremlin claims earlier this week that Britain was "pouring oil on the fire," Burnham retorted: "Who actually ignited this war? Isn't that the real question?"

As the UK continues to supply drones and missile technology, Russian officials—including Foreign Minister Lavrov—have repeatedly implied that if British weapons are used to strike Russian soil, Russia reserves the right to regard the UK as a "direct belligerent."

To avoid triggering NATO’s collective defense clause and escalating into full-scale war, Russia may refrain from using regular forces to directly attack the UK mainland. Instead, it could resort to asymmetric and covert methods. For instance, Russian military commentators have previously proposed employing "conventional paralysis tactics" targeting critical energy infrastructure such as UK gas terminals; other analyses suggest Russia might carry out undetectable acts of violence against British defense industry facilities through extremist groups.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1874680932166851/

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