Vladimir Putin Warns UK Defence Factories Could Be Russian Targets, Calls It a ‘Military Secret’

Russian President Vladimir Putin has refused to rule out attacks on British defence facilities in the UK, calling the possibility a “military secret” as Moscow escalates warnings over Britain’s military support for Ukraine. Speaking after the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Bishkek, Putin said British military facilities in Ukraine would be “absolutely” legitimate Russian targets if they exist.

The remarks came after the UK agreed to share classified Storm Shadow missile production information with Ukraine, allowing Kyiv to manufacture the long-range weapons domestically. Moscow has repeatedly warned that British military interests could face retaliation as Ukraine expands its ability to strike targets inside Russia, Daily Mail reported. World War 3 Fears: Andy Burnham Warned of Russia Strike Over Ukraine Support, UK Defence Sites on Alert.

Putin Refuses To Rule Out UK Strikes

During an interview with Russian state media RT, Putin was asked whether British military industrial facilities located on British territory could become military targets. With a smirk, he replied: “That's a secret, a military secret.” He made clear any “British military facilities” inside Ukraine were “absolutely” a Russian target.

The Kremlin has previously issued warnings about British military installations and equipment in Ukraine and beyond its borders in response to Ukrainian strikes using British weapons. ‘Move Away From Endless War’: PM Narendra Modi Delivers Strong Peace Message to Vladimir Putin at SCO Summit.

Storm Shadow Deal Raises Tensions

The latest warning follows the UK's decision to supply Ukraine with classified blueprints for Storm Shadow missiles. The UK is set to share weapons-production information with Ukraine, allowing the country to develop its own version of the long-range cruise missile. The move was announced during Prime Minister Andy Burnham's visit to Kyiv on August 24.

Russian officials have responded with increasingly direct warnings about British defence interests. Russian foreign ministry spokesman Maria Zakharova warned last week that “any British military installations and equipment in Ukraine and beyond its borders” could be attacked in retaliation for Ukrainian strikes on Russia using British weapons. Zakharova's threats left open possible attacks not only in Ukraine but against British interests in the UK or third countries.

Moscow Has Threatened European Defence Sites

Russia has previously identified European facilities involved in producing drones or supplying components to Ukraine as potential targets. In April, Russia's defence ministry published a list of 23 sites in Britain and continental Europe allegedly involved in making Ukrainian drones or supplying their components. British addresses included locations in Mildenhall in Suffolk, Ruislip in west London and Leicester.

Former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev, now deputy chairman of Putin's Security Council and a close ally, declared: “The list of European facilities which make drones and other equipment is a list of potential targets for the Russian armed forces.” He added the warning: “When strikes become a reality depends on what comes next. Sleep well, European partners!”

Hybrid Attacks Remain A Concern

Any Russian targeting could involve hybrid strikes rather than direct attacks that risk triggering Nato's collective-defence provisions. Moscow is seen as more likely to employ sabotage, cyberattacks, intimidation or criminals recruited as proxies to target companies helping arm Ukraine.

The concern comes as European governments have increased scrutiny of suspected Russian sabotage operations. Germany on Tuesday accused Russia of an attempted hybrid attack involving an explosive-laden drone at Leipzig/Halle Airport last month. German authorities said an explosive-laden drone was found near a Ukrainian cargo aircraft and was defused. Berlin subsequently announced diplomatic measures against Moscow.

Germany said it would close Russia's consulate in Bonn, terminate the lease for the Russian House cultural centre in Berlin and seek additional EU sanctions against Russian individuals. Moscow rejected the accusations.

Putin Claims Russia Is Advancing In Ukraine

Putin also struck a confident tone over the battlefield, claiming that Russia was winning the war. In his most detailed comments on the conflict for many weeks, the Russian leader acknowledged that Ukrainian attacks inside Russia had inflicted real damage and said that drones posed a particular challenge.

“The adversary began delivering strikes on our civilian facilities, including on refineries. Did it cause damage? It did,” Putin said. “And why? Among other reasons, and above all, because they were not protected.” But he said that Russia was advancing on the battlefield and told reporters: “I have no doubt the enemy will crumble.”

Rumours that Russia would be forced to order a new military mobilisation were “utter nonsense,” he said.Putin claimed Russian troops had captured 270 sq km (104 sq miles) of the Donetsk region in August and said two groups of Ukrainian troops were surrounded. These battlefield claims could not be independently verified. He also said Moscow's forces were preparing to launch massive strikes against energy infrastructure in Ukraine.

Zelensky Warns Of Unsafe Russian Airspace

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has meanwhile warned that Ukrainian drones will make Russian airspace increasingly unsafe for the duration of the war. “Today, we want to warn every airline that uses Russian airspace, every insurer and everyone who still uses Russia's key airports: Russian airspace is becoming completely unsafe,” Mr Zelensky said in his nightly address.

“Ukraine does not threaten civilian aviation as such – not a single civilian aircraft. There will simply be drones in Russia's skies on a scale that has to be taken into account,” he said. “Drone-infested skies are no place for civilian aviation,” Zelensky said. “The sky over Russia is currently for drones... as long as the war continues”.

Putin responded by branding Mr Zelensky's comments “a declaration of state terrorism”. “They are asking us to resume negotiations... but you don't negotiate with terrorists,” Putin said during the televised news conference. Reuters reported that Ukrainian drone activity has increasingly disrupted Russian aviation, while carriers from countries including China, Turkey and Gulf states continue to use Russian airspace.

Peace Talks Remain Stalled

The hardening positions come as diplomatic efforts to end the war remain stalled. Putin said Moscow was still open to negotiations aimed at ending, rather than freezing, the conflict and reiterated its willingness to engage with US President Donald Trump's envoys.

“If someone makes, or can make, a tangible contribution to this process, we are all in favour,” Putin said. “The only thing we would want to avoid is the process spinning its wheels pointlessly.

“However, if someone is capable of bringing something positive to these negotiations - which, as we understand it, are currently somewhat frozen - then, generally speaking, we are not opposed.”

The latest exchange of threats underscores the widening confrontation between Russia and Ukraine's Western supporters, with Britain increasingly prominent in Moscow's warnings over long-range weapons and Ukraine's expanding strike capabilities.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 02, 2026 03:48 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).