The Kremlin claimed on Wednesday that British experts were involved in a lethal strike on the Russian city of Bryansk, which utilized British Storm Shadow missiles, and mentioned that Britain’s participation would be considered.
The governor of the Bryansk region reported that the missile strike on Tuesday resulted in the deaths of at least six civilians and left 37 others injured, describing the incident as a “terrorist missile attack,” although he did not specify the target.
When asked by Reuters whether Russia would respond militarily to the use of British missiles against its territory, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov indicated that Russia would take British involvement into account.
“It’s clear that the launch of these missiles could not have happened without British specialists,” Peskov told journalists. “We are fully aware of this, and we are naturally considering it.”
There was no immediate response from London; however, Russia has consistently asserted that Ukraine relies on Western knowledge, targeting data, and satellite imagery to launch advanced missiles deep into Russian territory.
Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, stated that the strike was intentional and aimed at civilians, and she called on the United Nations to evaluate the incident.
Rescuers work at a meat processing plant that was hit during a Russian drone strike in Kharkiv, Ukraine, on Wednesday. (Sofiia Gatilova/Reuters)
In a video address on Tuesday night, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the strikes were aimed at a Russian facility responsible for creating essential missile components.
“Our forces targeted one of the significant Russian military factories in Bryansk,” said Zelenskyy, referencing information from top Ukrainian commander Oleksandr Syrskyi.
“The factory produced electronics and components for Russian missiles—those very missiles that strike our cities, villages, and civilians.”
2 killed in Kharkiv strike
Within Ukraine, local officials in Kharkiv reported that a Russian drone struck a civilian business on Wednesday, resulting in two fatalities and five injuries.
“Unfortunately, preliminary reports confirm two deaths,” stated Ihor Terekhov, mayor of Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, via the Telegram messaging app.
Kharkiv regional Governor Oleh Syniehubov mentioned that initial information indicated all the injured were in serious condition, adding that the attack led to a fire at the business.
Located just 30 kilometers from the Russian border, Kharkiv endured early assaults from Russian forces following their large-scale invasion in February 2022 and has since been frequently targeted by Russian airstrikes.
Ukraine and Russia participated in discussions mediated by envoys from U.S. President Donald Trump prior to the start of the U.S. and Israeli conflict with Iran on February 28.
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Peskov stated on Wednesday that the next round of trilateral discussions might occur in Istanbul, although specific details remain unclear—only a consensus that the peace process will persist.
Last year, Russia and Ukraine engaged in three rounds of talks in the Turkish city, while negotiations with U.S. mediation have taken place this year in Abu Dhabi and Geneva.