A Ukrainian strike reportedly hit a key Russian arms factory, prompting Moscow to blame the United Kingdom and threaten further escalation in the ongoing conflict.
Moscow – A Ukrainian missile attack on a significant Russian arms factory in the Bryansk border region has drawn a strong response from Russian officials. Russia is accusing the United Kingdom of responsibility for the strike in the Ukraine war and is threatening a “fundamentally new” level of escalation. The incident underscores the increasing risk of wider conflict as the war continues.
According to the Ukrainian General Staff, Ukrainian forces struck the “Kremnij El” factory in the Russian city of Bryansk with Storm Shadow cruise missiles on March 11. The facility manufactures semiconductors and integrated microchips used in the control and guidance systems of missiles, the New York Times reported, citing statements from the Ukrainian General Staff.
Ukraine strikes key military factory: Russia responds sharply to attack with Storm Shadow missiles
The governor of the Bryansk region, Alexander Bogomas, stated, according to Reuters, that six people were killed and at least 37 others injured in the attack. He described it as a “terrorist missile attack.” He did not mention the factory. Independent confirmation of the casualty figures or the extent of the damage is currently unavailable.
The Russian Foreign Ministry reacted particularly strongly to the use of British cruise missiles. Russia stated, according to the Kyiv Independent, that such an attack would not have been possible without “direct involvement” from NATO partners. The statement accused Western countries of bearing “full responsibility for the consequences of this attack.”
Russia accused Great Britain of crossing the boundaries of international law and being ready to raise the conflict to a “fundamentally new level of destruction and human casualties.” The Foreign Ministry accused the West of sabotaging peace negotiations through “large-scale provocation.” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov also claimed, according to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, that an attack with Storm Shadow missiles would not have been possible “without British specialists.”
Great Britain denies involvement in Storm Shadow launch – Ukraine celebrates military factory hit
Storm Shadow cruise missiles are jointly produced by Great Britain and France and have a range of more than 240 kilometers. Bryansk is located just under 100 kilometers from the border between Ukraine and Russia. This allows Ukraine to attack targets deep within Russian territory. However, Great Britain has consistently denied allegations that This proves involved in the deployment of the Storm Shadows, emphasizing that Ukraine is solely responsible for targeting and control.
In Ukraine, the attack is being celebrated as a success. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated in a video address, according to Reuters, that Ukrainian forces had struck “one of the most significant Russian military factories.” He added that Russia’s reaction was understandable. According to the AFP, Zelenskyy said the factory produces components for missiles, “exactly those that attack our cities.”
The Ukrainian General Staff also emphasized the importance of the production facility, stating it was a “critical component” of Russian missile production, according to the New York Times. A video released on Telegram by the military reportedly shows explosions and fires at the site. The General Staff said it was still assessing the damage.
Russia’s infrastructure in the crosshairs: Ukraine reports further hits in the war
Separately, the Kyiv Independent reported that Ukraine claimed additional strikes on Russian military infrastructure, including fuel and lubricant depots in Berdyansk. A Buk-M2 air defense system and a drone depot were also reportedly hit in the Zaporizhzhia region. Special forces also allegedly destroyed a radar station in Sevastopol used for Russian S-300 and S-400 air defense systems. (Sources: AFP, New York Times, Reuters, Kyiv Independent, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, own research) (lismah)
