Moscow warned European countries of the risk of a “sharp escalation” and “unpredictable consequences” amid expanded drone supplies to Ukraine. Russia’s Defense Ministry said that, according to its information, on March 26 several European governments decided to increase the production and delivery of UAVs for the needs of Ukraine’s armed forces, including for strikes on Russian territory.
The ministry claims this involves increased funding for enterprises in Europe—both Ukrainian branches and joint-production facilities—that manufacture attack drones and components for them. Moscow says such steps effectively deepen European countries’ involvement in the war.
The Defense Ministry also warned that the possible use of these drones against Russia could bring “unpredictable consequences,” and signaled that retaliatory strikes on their production facilities in Europe could not be ruled out.
“The European public should not only clearly understand the true sources of threats to their security, but also know the addresses and locations of ‘Ukrainian’ and ‘joint’ enterprises producing UAVs and components for Ukraine on the territory of their own countries,” the ministry said.
Russia’s Defense Ministry published a list of such sites, including their addresses. Among the largest cities named in the list are London, Munich, Madrid, Prague, Ankara and Riga.
Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council, commented on the publication by saying the listed addresses amount to a “register of potential legitimate targets for the Russian armed forces.”