Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued a stark warning, threatening to target the UK with a new ballistic missile amid escalating tensions in the Ukraine conflict, according to PA Media. The threat follows the supply of long-range weapons to Ukraine by the UK and the US, including British Storm Shadow missiles and American ATACMS.
In a televised address, Putin justified the missile threat, stating that Russia has the right to target nations providing weapons to Ukraine, although he assured advance warnings for evacuations. He revealed that Russia recently used a ballistic missile with a range of “several thousand kilometers” in a strike on a Ukrainian defense facility in Dnipro.
The UK government swiftly condemned the escalation. Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s spokesperson noted it was the first reported use of such a long-range missile by Russia in Ukraine. “This only strengthens our resolve to ensure Ukraine has the means to defend itself against Russia’s reckless and illegal invasion,” the spokesperson said.
The missile’s range reportedly surpasses the reach of the US- and UK-supplied weapons. With the distance between Moscow and London around 2,500 kilometers, the new missile could pose a direct threat to the UK.
Meanwhile, Russia claimed to have intercepted two British-made Storm Shadow missiles, with debris reportedly found in the Kursk region. UK Defence Secretary John Healey acknowledged prior awareness of Russia’s potential use of the missile but declined to comment on operational specifics.
Prime Minister Starmer reiterated that the UK would not be intimidated by Putin’s threats. He emphasized that the UK’s support for Ukraine is grounded in international law and focused on self-defense.
As the war escalates, the UK remains committed to supporting Ukraine, with top military officials recently visiting Kyiv to assess the country’s defense needs.
