MOSCOW: Moscow on Monday warned that it could launch strikes at British military targets inside Ukraine and elsewhere if Kyiv’s forces used British-supplied long-range missiles to strike Russia.
The statement from the Russian foreign ministry escalated tensions amidst mounting concerns over the conflict in Ukraine, highlighting the potential for further escalation in the region.
The Russian foreign ministry’s declaration followed remarks made by British Foreign Secretary David Cameron during a visit to Ukraine, where he affirmed Kyiv’s right to retaliate against Russia. He emphasized London’s unwavering support for Ukrainian actions, including the use of weapons supplied by Britain. Cameron’s statements, perceived as provocative by Moscow, prompted a swift response from Russian authorities.
In a diplomatic move, Moscow summoned the UK’s ambassador in Moscow, Nigel Casey, to convey its concerns and issue a stark warning against potential repercussions. The Russian foreign ministry cautioned that any use of British-supplied weapons by Ukrainian forces to target Russia would result in retaliatory strikes on UK military facilities and equipment, not only within Ukrainian territory but also beyond.
The statement underscored the seriousness of the situation, urging the UK ambassador to denounce the “bellicose provocative statements” made by British officials and recognize the catastrophic consequences of such actions.
Russia’s announcement of potential military action comes amidst heightened tensions in the region, with the Kremlin citing perceived threats from Western leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron and British officials. Moscow’s recent actions, including the occupation of several regions of Ukraine and claims of annexation, have raised concerns about the destabilizing impact of Russian aggression on regional security.
Russia Announces Nuclear Weapons Drills Near Ukraine
Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued directives for the Russian military to conduct nuclear weapons drills involving the navy and troops stationed near Ukraine, as confirmed by the defense ministry on Monday.
Since the onset of the Ukraine conflict, Putin has escalated his nuclear rhetoric, emphasizing the “real” risk of nuclear war during his national address in February.
The defense ministry specified that the upcoming drills will encompass exercises focused on the preparation and utilization of non-strategic nuclear weapons, also referred to as tactical nuclear weapons, designed for battlefield deployment and delivery via missiles.
Scheduled to occur “in the near future,” the exercises aim to bolster Russia’s territorial integrity in response to perceived threats from certain Western officials, according to the ministry’s statement.
Participation in the drills will involve aircraft, naval forces, and troops from the Southern Military District, which shares a border with Ukraine and encompasses territories occupied by Russia.
Western officials have expressed growing apprehension over the Kremlin’s nuclear rhetoric amid the ongoing offensive in Ukraine, with Putin frequently invoking Russia’s nuclear doctrine to underscore the country’s military capabilities.
In a significant move last year, Russia annulled its ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty and withdrew from a key arms reduction agreement with the United States, contributing to heightened concerns surrounding nuclear proliferation.
