Moscow: Russia stated on Thursday that British military facilities in Ukraine "and beyond" could potentially become targets in response to Kyiv's deployment of UK missiles against Russia.

According to Anadolu Agency, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova emphasized during a press briefing in Moscow that Russia had consistently warned about the potential targeting of British military installations and equipment, both in Ukraine and elsewhere, as a direct response to Ukrainian strikes utilizing British weaponry on Russian territory.

Zakharova highlighted the transfer of Storm Shadow long-range cruise missiles to Kyiv as a prime example of London's involvement in the ongoing conflict. She noted that despite UK officials' initial silence on the missiles' use since their transfer in 2023, their deployment had become apparent over time. The usage of these missiles had reportedly extended beyond the previously declared boundaries by London, referencing statements by former UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron in May 2024, who had indicated that Ukraine was at liberty to decide on the application of British weapons.

Furthermore, Zakharova addressed the announcement by British Prime Minister Andy Burnham regarding the transfer of classified blueprints for British-made components of the SCALP missile, a French variant of the UK's Storm Shadow cruise missile, to Ukraine for domestic production. She criticized the UK government, led by Burnham, for allegedly pursuing a strategic defeat of Russia, labeling such efforts as "doomed to failure."

Zakharova also implored UK residents to reflect on the potential catastrophic outcomes of their government's actions. She urged the British leadership to reassess the situation comprehensively and to abandon its hostile and aggressive posture towards Russia in a decisive and unequivocal manner.