Kathmandu— Russia has warned that British military sites and equipment, both within Ukraine and beyond its borders, could become legitimate targets for Russian strikes should Ukraine continue utilizing UK-provided weaponry in attacks on Russian territory. The warning comes amidst escalating tensions between Moscow and London following reports of Ukrainian forces using British-French Storm Shadow/SCALP missiles in a strike on Donetsk that reportedly injured at least eight civilians, including two children. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated that those responsible for attacks on Russian citizens will be held accountable, along with any “accomplices and instigators.”

Escalating Rhetoric and Accusations

Zakharova accused successive British governments of pursuing a long-term strategy to inflict a “strategic defeat” on Russia, urging UK residents to consider the potential repercussions of their government’s actions. She called for an immediate end to what she described as aggressive policies that risk escalating the conflict to a new level. The statements reflect a significant hardening of rhetoric from Moscow towards London amid growing Western military aid to Ukraine.

British Support for Ukrainian Arms Production

Earlier this week, Britain authorized the transfer of classified technology enabling Ukraine to domestically manufacture Storm Shadow/SCALP cruise missiles. This move prompted Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov to accuse Britain of “participating in this war on the side of the Kiev regime.” He also stated that Russian forces are actively collecting intelligence on facilities involved in missile and military equipment production within Ukraine, with the intention of destroying them.

Lavrov's Warning of Direct Involvement

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov issued a similar warning last week, asserting Moscow’s right to view Britain’s direct involvement in strikes against Russia as an act of war. He indicated that such actions would carry “all the consequences that entails.” The repeated warnings from high-ranking Russian officials signal growing concern over the potential for escalation and a broadening of the conflict.

Response to Donetsk Strike

The immediate trigger for these statements appears to be a recent strike on Donetsk, reportedly carried out by Ukrainian forces using British-French Storm Shadow/SCALP missiles. Zakharova stated that at least eight civilians were wounded in the attack, including two children, and vowed punishment for those responsible.

Russian officials have continued to emphasize their willingness to respond to perceived threats and attacks on Russian territory, raising concerns about a potential escalation of the conflict. Further developments are expected as Russia monitors British involvement in providing military aid to Ukraine.

(With inputs from RT)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.