A former Russian deputy foreign minister has claimed that the Kremlin has compiled a hitlist of "legal targets" in the UK and regards the country as "evil number one". Andrei Fedorov, who previously held the role and served as an adviser to both the Prime Minister and Vice President of Russia, alleged that plans for a "hybrid attack" were being formulated at the "highest levels of the Russian government".
Sabotage and arson plans
Fedorov said sabotage and arson targeting UK sites with explicit links to Ukraine, which Andy Burnham has continued to steadfastly support after taking over as Prime Minister from Keir Starmer, was being contemplated. Under consideration is reportedly a drone factory operated by a British-Ukrainian company near one of the UK's most heavily protected military installations.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, Fedorov claimed the Kremlin could target Ukrspecsystems, a facility situated just a stone's throw from RAF Mildenhall, the West Suffolk RAF base used to launch special operations, refuelling and intelligence-gathering missions, reports the Mirror. He warned that, while Russia is interested in targeting the UK site, it would not do so in a manner that might provoke a response from NATO.
Russian anger over UK-made drones
The 71-year-old said: "The UK is evil number one. After the information that UK-made drones were used against Russian oil refineries, this has become a big anger [sic] in Russian society. Various experts are calling to punish by strike [sic] the UK, and it will be supported by the majority of Russian citizens."
The announcement comes after Andy Burnham's commitment last Monday that the UK would permit Kyiv to access classified British technology, enabling the nation to begin manufacturing its own long-range Storm Shadow cruise missiles. The move was coordinated with France, which has consented to provide its own missile technology, prompting an immediate, furious response from Russia. The country's foreign ministry spokesperson, Maria Zakharova, cautioned on Thursday that the two nations were "playing with fire".
UK response and Western dismissal
However, the Ministry of Defence remained resolute in its backing and dismissed the warnings issued by Kremlin officials. A spokesperson 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."
These worries have been equally dismissed by other Western officials, who have stated the menaces from Russia are "nothing new". The officials, who opted to remain anonymous, told the BBC that warnings were in line with Russian military doctrine aimed at increasing pressure on the West. Consequently, they indicated hostile language from the nation was more a reflection of ongoing exasperation with the conflict, and deteriorating public sentiment.
Russia is struggling to secure significant victories in Ukraine, while the defending nation continues to carry out precise deep infrastructure strikes with substantial impact.
