Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said attacks on Russian territory with British-made Storm Shadow missiles could make British military facilities and vehicles in Ukraine and beyond Ukraine's borders targets.
Zakharova argued that developments indicating the UK was preparing to transfer the information needed for Kyiv to produce Storm Shadow missiles at its own facilities showed that London was participating in the conflict in Ukraine.
Missile deliveries and attacks on Russia
Recalling that the UK decided in 2023 to send Storm Shadow missiles to Ukraine, Zakharova said London had initially stated that the weapons would be used only within Ukraine's internationally recognized borders. She said attacks targeting Russian territory were raised later.
The Russian diplomat claimed that the attacks could not be carried out without the involvement of foreign specialists in operating the weapons system and identifying targets. Zakharova also argued that NATO countries were providing intelligence to Ukraine.
Zakharova said then-British Foreign Secretary David Cameron had stated in May 2024 that Ukraine had the right to strike Russian territory with British weapons. She said the statement contradicted London's previous assurances.
Zakharova said the UK had provided Ukraine with technological data for producing Storm Shadow and SCALP cruise missiles. She also claimed that French company Safran had been supplying guidance systems, navigation equipment and other systems for the Ukrainian-British jointly produced Flamingo cruise missile for more than a year.
Accusations against London and the European trio
Zakharova argued that the British government could not transfer responsibility for possible missile attacks to Ukraine. She claimed that London's long-term goal was to inflict a “strategic defeat” on Russia.
Zakharova said the UK needed to change its current policy and warned that new steps by London could risk taking the conflict to “a new level.” She also argued that the “European trio,” made up of the leaders of Germany, France and the UK, bore responsibility for support provided to Ukraine.
The Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman said any foreign military unit deployed in Ukraine would be considered a legitimate military target by Russia. She argued that these units would obstruct operations in Ukraine and efforts to achieve a lasting solution.
The Damascus administration and Ukraine talks
Zakharova also responded to claims that Syria's new administration had requested the extradition of Bashar al-Assad, the leader of the former Damascus administration. Zakharova said there was no political rationale behind Assad's admission to Russia, adding that the decision had been made for humanitarian reasons and in view of the difficult circumstances created by the change in power.
Zakharova said Kyiv and its Western partners had not submitted a new proposal for resolving the conflict in Ukraine. She argued that the Ukrainian side had unilaterally withdrawn from the talks in the Istanbul format at the end of last year.
Armenia accusation
The Russian diplomat accused the European Union of using Armenia and Armenian citizens in its campaign against Russia. Zakharova claimed that the European Union was ignoring pressure in Armenia against politicians and public figures who favored constructive relations with Russia.
