Russia threatens to attack UK locations as Putin warns 'Pandora's Box has been opened'
Russia has threatened potential action against Britain, with a Kremlin adviser warning UK factories producing equipment for Ukraine could be targeted.
This latest escalation comes days after leader Vladimir Putin claimed that Ukraine had 'opened Pandora's box' by targeting Russian economic infrastructure, and that Moscow would soon respond.
Now, a former Russian deputy foreign minister has suggested that the UK could also face retaliation, as tensions continue to mount over Britain's support of Ukraine.
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As well as supplying Ukraine with drones, Britain has also reportedly agreed to share long-range missile blueprints, according to Al Jazeera.
Former deputy foreign minister Andrei Federov has now stated that sharing those blueprints with Ukraine was considered proof of the UK's 'direct military involvement' in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Making these claims to BBC Newsnight, Federov warned that there could be a 'semi-military response' against the UK.
When questioned on what 'semi-military' action could look like, Federov suggested that 'something might happen with enterprises, with factories which are producing drones for Ukraine'.
He added: "They could be attacked not by Russia, but from unknown sources."
Elsewhere on the programme, Federov claimed that Putin was under 'serious' pressure to 'undertake certain action against the UK.'
Asked where this pressure was coming from, Federov pointed to 'public opinion polls', 'journalists', and 'mass media'.
One such 'journalist' is state TV presenter and propagandist Vladimir Solovyov, who has called on Putin to use a nuclear torpedo that would be capable of causing a tsunami in Britain.
"Give the British three days to learn to breathe underwater, then hit them with Poseidon," he commented.
Federov's warning to the BBC comes days after Putin commented that Kyiv had opened 'Pandora's box' with its recent strikes on Russian economic targets.
In comments to a Russian state television journalist, seen by Reuters, Putin said: "The Kyiv regime set out to damage our economy. What did it do? It opened this Pandora’s box itself. Well then, expect a response targeting your most sensitive economic sectors."
Despite mounting threats, Prime Minister Andy Burnham has been unwavering about the UK's support of Ukraine.
Marking Ukraine's 35th anniversary of independence today (25 August), the Prime Minister is visiting Kyiv to show his full support.
In a statement to mark the occasion, Burnham said: "The Ukrainian people should be in no doubt: the UK is behind you today and for as long as it takes.
"I am proud of the contribution our country has made to Ukraine and I want the Ukrainian people to hear it directly from me that our support will not waver. After all, Ukraine's security is our security."
Topics: Russia, UK News, Vladimir Putin
Ali Condon