Russian President Vladimir Putin has responded to the UK's decision to provide Ukraine with Storm Shadow blueprints. In response to a question on whether his country was weighing up possible strikes on British military sites, the Russian leader said it is a "military secret". Chillingly, Putin made no further comment.
Tensions escalate between UK and Russia
Tensions have escalated between the UK and Russia in recent weeks. Last week, UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham agreed to provide Ukraine with blueprints to build long-range missiles despite threats from Russia.
Burnham will allow European defence firm MBDA to declassify information on UK components for the long-range Scalp missile – the French-produced version of the UK's Storm Shadow. The "deep precision strike" missiles use shared French and British technology.
Ukraine and France plan local assembly
Ukraine and France are looking to set up local assembly lines to produce them in Ukraine. Russia warned that the UK was "playing with fire" after Burnham's approval.
Burnham's approval followed a warning from Russia to Britain that it would pay a "price" after reports that the drones had been used in strikes deep inside Russia. Russia's embassy in London accused Britain of becoming "an accomplice and co-perpetrator" of the attacks and of "deliberately opting for an escalation" in the conflict.
UK response and Putin's press conference
The Ministry of Defence said: "Britain stands shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine and we are committed to providing the equipment Ukraine needs to defend itself against Putin's illegal invasion. Russia should be in no doubt about the resolve of this Government to stand against Russian aggression, in Ukraine and against the UK and our allies."
Speaking during a press conference following the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Kyrgyzstan this week, Putin was asked about reports that Moscow could announce another mobilisation after upcoming State Duma elections. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky previously warned that Moscow could resort to another mobilisation drive, with the intention to recruit around 300,000 personnel in 2026 and another 300,000 in 2027. Putin interrupted the reporter and said: "This is absolute nonsense. This is an information attack on Russia."
