Russia has threatened to attack British targets if Ukraine uses UK-supplied weapons amid rising tensions and the recent arrest of a British man charged with spying for Russia. Here’s the full story.
Russia Threatens UK
In a significant escalation of tensions, Russia has threatened to strike British targets if Ukraine uses UK-supplied weapons against Russian territory.
Targeting Ukraine’s Territory
This stark warning was issued by Maria Zakharova, the Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, who made it clear that British sites “on Ukraine’s territory and beyond its borders” could be targeted.
British Strikes
This follows shortly after Foreign Secretary David Cameron called for Ukraine to be allowed to use British arms for strikes inside Russia.
Slow Moving
Though it seems that the Biden administration is slowly moving on this issue, at the moment, Ukraine is not allowed to attack Russian soil with Western-supplied weapons.
Hamstrung Defence
With Ukraine being hamstrung by not being allowed to strike back at Russian targets within Russia, especially considering Russia’s most recent assault on Kharkiv, only 20 miles from Russia, the beleaguered nation is left with limited options for defence and retaliation without Western approval for more assertive measures.
“It’s Their Decision”
Cameron stated, “In terms of what the Ukrainians do, in our view, it is their decision about how to use these weapons, they are defending their country, they were illegally invaded by Vladimir Putin and they must take those steps.”
“The Ability to Strike Back”
He continued, “Just as Russia is striking inside Ukraine, you can quite understand why Ukraine feels the need to make sure it’s defending itself, it’s getting the Russians out of its country and it has the ability to strike back.”
Fears of Broader Conflict
This support, coupled with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s appeals for permission to strike Russian territories, has sparked fears of a broader conflict.
More Sophisticated Defence Systems
The backdrop to Russia’s threat includes ongoing Ukrainian requests for more sophisticated air defence systems from Western allies.
US and UK-Made Missiles
For months, Ukrainian officials have been lobbying Western partners for advanced air defence systems, particularly US-made Patriot and UK-made Storm Shadow missiles, to fend off Russian air attacks.
“We Do This for Defence”
President Zelensky has emphasised Ukraine’s defensive use of these weapons, stating, “We have our own weapons, our own drones, and we use them, but I would like to note that we do this for defence.”
“A Direct Escalation”
However, the Kremlin did not well receive this at the time, with spokesperson Dmitry Peskov saying, “The Kremlin views Cameron’s statements about Kyiv’s right to use British weapons to strike the Russian Federation as a direct escalation.”
Countering Russian Attacks
Zelensky’s call for permission to use advanced weapons such as ATACMS, HIMARS, and Storm Shadow missiles is due to the desperate need for Ukraine to be able to counter Russian attacks effectively.
“We Need Air Defence”
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Zelensky said, “To strike the missile, we need air defence. To strike the aircraft, we need appropriate weapons.”
Russian Spy
Amidst these rising tensions between Russia and the UK, a British national was charged with spying for Russian intelligence.
National Security Act
Howard Michael Phillips, a 64-year-old from Essex, was arrested by counter-terrorism police and charged with an offence under the National Security Act.
Denied Bail
Phillips appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court, where he confirmed his details and was denied bail by Judge Daniel Sternberg. He is set to appear at the Old Bailey on June 14.
“Sensitive Information”
Prosecutor Mark Luckett stated that Phillips had been in contact with individuals he believed to be representing foreign powers and possessed “sensitive information in regards to an MP.”
“Counter Terrorism Command”
The Metropolitan Police stated, “As part of the investigation, which officers are leading from the Met’s counter-terrorism command, officers also searched an address in the Hertfordshire area and an address in the Essex area. Both searches are now complete.
No Threat to the Wider Public
“The arrest is not connected to any other recent charges or investigations linked to NSA offences, and there is not believed to be any threat to the wider public in connection with this matter.”
Escalating Tensions
The combination of Russia’s threats and the espionage charges against Phillips paints a picture of the severely escalating tensions between the UK and Russia. With the high geopolitical stakes, the potential for future conflict if Russia follows through on its threats cannot be underestimated.
Uncertain Future
While the UK remains a staunch supporter of Ukraine’s independence and right to defend itself, it remains to be seen whether further Russian interference in the UK’s political sphere will change this in the future.
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / murathakanart.