Russia is reportedly considering a series of hybrid attacks against the United Kingdom, focusing on British defence firms involved in supplying weapons and drone technology to Ukraine. A former Russian deputy foreign minister, Andrei Fedorov, told a British news outlet that senior officials in Moscow view certain UK military-industrial facilities as legitimate targets for sabotage or arson, rather than direct military strikes that might trigger a NATO response.
Fedorov identified a drone factory owned by Ukrspecsystems, a British-Ukrainian company based near RAF Mildenhall in West Suffolk, as one potential target. The factory was previously cited in connection with supplying drones used by Ukraine in its conflict with Russia. He also singled out the British missile manufacturer MBDA, headquartered in Stevenage, Hertfordshire, which produces Storm Shadow missiles with a range of roughly 350 miles. The long-range precision munitions have reportedly been used in strikes within Russian territory, drawing Kremlin ire.
According to Fedorov, Russia’s leadership is angered by recent UK support for Ukraine’s military capabilities, labeling the UK as “evil number one.” Despite this, he emphasized that Moscow would refrain from direct military action against the UK to avoid provoking a collective NATO retaliation. Instead, he indicated that “hybrid” measures, including sabotage and disinformation campaigns, were more likely.
The threats come amid heightened tensions following a visit to Ukraine by UK Labour Party leader Andy Burnham, who reportedly provided Ukraine with missile blueprints. Russian officials, including Kremlin spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, have issued stern warnings over UK involvement, describing it as “playing with fire” with potentially unpredictable consequences.
British Defence Secretary Wes Streeting responded to the threats by underscoring the UK government’s resilience and refusal to be intimidated. He noted the difficulties facing Russia on the battlefield and emphasized continuing support for Ukraine ahead of the winter season.
Meanwhile, Britain’s ambassador to Russia, Nigel Casey, issued guidance for UK officials stressing the importance of refusing to confirm or deny details about British-supplied weapons used by Ukraine. Casey warned that confirming such information could elevate risks to UK national security amid Moscow’s escalating hybrid warfare tactics.
Western officials have similarly cautioned that Russia is likely to intensify covert operations across Europe as its position in Ukraine weakens but is keen to avoid direct confrontations with NATO forces. One Western official characterized Russia’s approach as an effort to apply pressure short of open conflict.
Additionally, pro-Kremlin channels have suggested attacks on NATO sites hosting British troops, including a base in Estonia, while other developments have included a planned anti-UK exhibition in Moscow by an individual connected to the assassination of Russian defector Alexander Litvinenko.
The British government has reiterated its commitment to countering Russian aggression and supporting Ukraine’s defense despite these evolving threats.