Kathmandu— Russia has issued a direct warning to Britain, stating it may strike British military targets within Ukraine and beyond, in response to Ukrainian attacks on Russia using long-range cruise missiles reportedly manufactured in the United Kingdom. The threat, delivered by Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova during a news briefing in Moscow, represents the strongest such statement made by Russia to date regarding its potential response to Western arms shipments aiding Ukraine. This escalation follows accusations from Moscow that Kyiv used British Storm Shadow missiles to attack a shopping center in Donetsk, resulting in civilian casualties, and comes amid intensified Russian strikes on Ukrainian infrastructure.

Escalating Rhetoric and Direct Threat

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova accused London of nearing legal complicity in what she termed “terrorism” against Russian civilians. She warned of “catastrophic consequences” if Britain does not alter its course, stating that British military installations and equipment could be targeted as retaliation for Ukrainian strikes on Russian territory utilizing British weaponry. Zakharova urged British leadership to reconsider their approach and abandon what she described as a hostile and aggressive stance.

Accusations of Attacks Using UK-Supplied Missiles

The warning from Moscow followed accusations that Ukraine employed British Storm Shadow missiles in an attack on a shopping center in the Russian-controlled city of Donetsk, allegedly wounding civilians including children. The Kremlin previously criticized Britain for allowing Kyiv to access technology enabling local production of Storm Shadow cruise missiles, mirroring a similar agreement France reached with Ukraine.

Renewed Russian Strikes on Ukrainian Infrastructure

The diplomatic warning coincided with a surge in Russian missile and drone attacks targeting critical infrastructure across Ukraine. Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha reported that Russia launched a “massive strike” overnight, focusing on ports, grain storage facilities, energy plants, industrial sites, and other key infrastructure using ballistic and hypersonic missiles as well as combat drones. Ukrainian air defenses reportedly intercepted seven ballistic missiles, one anti-ship cruise missile, and nearly 90 percent of the incoming drones.

Widespread Damage and Casualties Reported

Regional governor Oleh Syniehubov reported that one person was killed and two injured in a lunchtime attack on a shopping center in Kharkiv. Falling debris in Kyiv damaged a school and healthcare facility, wounding two people outside the capital. Attacks also impacted industrial and energy sites in the Poltava region, causing power outages affecting seven settlements. In Kryvyi Rih and Zaporizhzhia, strikes on steelworks and industrial facilities injured six individuals collectively, while three were wounded in Odesa following attacks that damaged port infrastructure, an educational facility, and a multi-story building. Russia’s Defence Ministry confirmed targeting key sites including steelworks, an oil refinery, logistics hubs, and ports.

Strikes Extend to Russian Territory

Beyond Ukraine, the online retailer Ozon reported damage to a logistics complex in central Russia following a drone attack – one of several recent strikes on its facilities within Russia.

The situation remains highly volatile as both sides continue military operations and issue strong warnings. Further escalation is possible depending on future developments regarding arms supplies and battlefield engagements.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.