Russia has issued a stark warning to the United Kingdom, naming several locations it claims could become military targets due to Britain’s support for Ukraine, raising fresh fears of escalation across Europe.
Dmitry Medvedev, now deputy head of Russia’s security council, said sites linked to drone production across Europe — including the UK — are in the “crosshairs” of Russian forces, warning that the threat should be taken seriously.
In a message posted online, he said: “Russian Defense Ministry’s statement must be taken literally: the list of European facilities which make drones & other equipment is a list of potential targets for the Russian armed forces,” adding, “When strikes become a reality depends on what comes next. Sleep well, European partners!”
The warning follows claims by the Russian Defence Ministry that European countries are increasing drone production to support Ukraine, which it said risks further escalation of the conflict.
Among the locations referenced were Reading, London, Leicester, and an area near RAF Mildenhall, a base widely used by the United States Air Force, often described as a key gateway for US operations in Britain.
Russia claims these sites are linked to companies involved in drone production, including Fire Point and Horizon Tech, though no evidence has been publicly verified.
In its statement, the Russian Defence Ministry said: “We consider this decision to be a deliberate step leading to a sharp escalation of the military and political situation on the entire European continent,” warning that European nations risk being drawn deeper into the war.
The threat has heightened security concerns in the UK, particularly following warnings from Mikhail Khodorkovsky, a critic of Vladimir Putin, who suggested Britain could face attacks similar to the Salisbury poisoning.
He said: “The goal […] would not just be to get rid of certain people but to create a sense of vulnerability in the west. Like it was in Salisbury,” adding, “What is clear is that there is going to be some kind of pressure and it will take a similar form.”
The developments underline growing geopolitical tensions between Russia and Western allies, with the UK remaining a key supporter of Ukraine as the conflict continues.