Russia has accused Britain of deliberately undermining peace efforts in Ukraine after London agreed to help Kyiv produce long-range SCALP cruise missiles locally. The Kremlin said the move amounts to direct involvement in the war and warned it would not be ignored.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Monday that Moscow is already gathering intelligence on the production sites linked to the missile programme. He said Russia will take “necessary steps” to destroy any facilities involved in making the weapons.
“The British government is fueling the conflict and blocking any chance of peace,” Peskov said. “We know where these sites are. We will act to eliminate the threat they pose to our security.”
The warning came hours after Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham arrived in Kyiv for Ukraine’s Independence Day celebrations. During the visit, Burnham reaffirmed Britain’s commitment to military support for Ukraine and met with senior Ukrainian officials.
British authorities say the new arrangement will involve sharing information on UK-made components so Ukraine can manufacture SCALP missiles domestically. Officials argue the step will reduce Kyiv’s dependence on foreign deliveries and help sustain its defence.
The SCALP missile, also known as Storm Shadow, is an air-launched cruise missile capable of striking targets up to 250 kilometres away. It has been used by Ukraine to hit command centres, airfields and supply depots deep behind Russian lines.
Britain and France have supplied SCALP missiles to Ukraine since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022. Until now, the weapons were shipped from European stockpiles. The new plan marks a shift toward local production inside Ukraine.
Analysts say Moscow’s threat raises the risk of escalation, as striking production sites in Ukraine could broaden the scope of Russian attacks. Western officials have not responded directly to Peskov’s comments but have previously said supporting Ukraine’s defence does not constitute aggression.
The war development, highlights how the conflict continues to expand beyond the battlefield. With both sides hardening their positions, the prospect of a negotiated settlement appears further away as new weapons and new production lines enter the equation.
Ukrainian officials welcomed the UK deal, saying local missile production will give Kyiv more operational flexibility and shorten delivery times. A senior adviser to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the partnership sends a clear signal that Western support is “long-term and industrial, not just symbolic.” He added that Ukraine will prioritize securing the new facilities against Russian strikes.
Defense experts noted that building SCALP missiles inside Ukraine presents major logistical and security challenges. The components are complex and require precision manufacturing, and any plant would likely become a high-value target for Russian drones and missiles. They said Kyiv will need extensive air defenses around production sites if the plan is to succeed.
In London, government sources insisted the move is fully within international law and aimed at helping Ukraine defend itself. They stressed that Britain remains open to diplomacy but will not force Kyiv to negotiate under pressure. The Foreign Office added that it continues to coordinate closely with France, the co-developer of the missile, on export controls and technology transfer.
