The Kremlin accused British experts of participating in a lethal Ukrainian attack on the Russian city of Bryansk using British Storm Shadow missiles, stating it would consider Britain’s involvement. The governor of Bryansk region reported that the strike on Tuesday resulted in the deaths of at least six civilians and the injury of 37 individuals in what was described as a “terrorist missile attack.”
When asked by Reuters if there would be a military retaliation to the use of British missiles on Russian territory, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov mentioned that Russia would take the British role into account. Peskov emphasized that the missile launch could not have occurred without the assistance of British specialists.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova condemned the strike as premeditated, targeting civilians and urged the United Nations to investigate the incident. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated in a video address that the strikes targeted a Russian factory producing crucial missile components that were used against Ukrainian cities and civilians.
In a separate incident in Kharkiv, Ukraine, local officials reported that a Russian drone attack on a civilian business resulted in two fatalities and five injuries. Kharkiv, situated near the Russian border, has been a frequent target of Russian air attacks following the invasion in February 2022.
Ukraine and Russia have engaged in discussions mediated by envoys from U.S. President Donald Trump, with talks potentially continuing in Istanbul, according to Kremlin spokesperson Peskov. Previous negotiations have taken place in Turkey, Abu Dhabi, and Geneva, highlighting ongoing efforts towards a peaceful resolution.