World News
Former Russian official warns U.K. drone factories could face attacks by unknown sources
A former Russian minister cited domestic pressure on President Putin following a new military manufacturing deal between Britain and Ukraine.
The short version
- Former Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrei Fedorov stated on BBC Newsnight that British drone factories could face attacks or cyber strikes by unknown or semi-military forces.
- The warning follows a U.K.-Ukraine agreement allowing Kyiv to produce a British and French-designed cruise missile domestically.
- Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov condemned the agreement and stated Russia's military is identifying potential missile production facilities inside Ukraine to target them.
Key facts
- Former Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrei Fedorov suggested on BBC Newsnight that U.K. factories producing drones for Ukraine could be targeted by semi-military or unknown sources.[CBS News]
- Fedorov stated Russian President Vladimir Putin faces pressure from domestic public opinion and media to act against Britain.[CBS News]
- British Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced an agreement in Kyiv to transfer classified technology enabling Ukraine to manufacture French-designed SCALP cruise missiles containing British components.[CBS News]
- Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated Russian forces are gathering intelligence to target any Ukrainian facilities used to manufacture the missiles.[CBS News]
- The British Ministry of Defense previously announced a support package in April to deliver at least 120,000 drones to Ukraine in 2026.[CBS News]