Russian President Vladimir Putin has declined to disclose how Moscow would respond if British weapons were used in attacks against Russian territory, calling
the Kremlin’s potential response a “military secret” as tensions between Russia and the UK continue to escalate. Speaking at a conference in Kyrgyzstan, Putin said any British military facilities established on Ukrainian territory would be considered legitimate targets for Russian forces. “Any military facilities in Ukraine are our legitimate targets - British ones, any others,” Putin said. Asked whether British military-industrial facilities located inside the UK could also become targets if British weapons were used to strike Russia, Putin refused to spell out Moscow’s red lines. “That’s a secret. A military secret,” he said. The remarks come amid heightened tensions over British support for Ukraine and the transfer of advanced military technology. Russia has repeatedly warned Western countries that supplying weapons and military capabilities to Ukraine risks widening the conflict. Moscow had also accused the UK of “playing with fire” after Britain approved arrangements allowing Ukraine access to classified technology linked to its long-range Storm Shadow cruise missiles. Putin’s comments did not amount to a direct announcement of plans to strike targets inside Britain. However, his refusal to disclose Russia’s response leaves open the question of how Moscow could react if British-supplied weapons were used in attacks on Russian territory.
Putin Says Russia Is Advancing Despite Ukrainian Strikes
In his most extensive remarks on the war in several weeks, Putin also acknowledged that Ukrainian strikes inside Russia, particularly drone attacks, had caused significant damage.
Despite this, he claimed Russian forces were continuing to advance on the battlefield.
“I have no doubt the enemy will crumble,” Putin said, without elaborating on how or when he expected that to happen.
The remarks come as Ukraine continues to carry out long-range attacks against targets inside Russia, while Moscow maintains its military campaign in Ukraine and threatens retaliation against countries providing Kyiv with military support.
Putin’s “military secret” remark therefore adds another layer of uncertainty to an already tense confrontation between Moscow and London, particularly over the use of Western-supplied weapons against targets inside Russia.
