Key facts
- Russia has threatened to strike British military targets if Ukraine uses British missiles.
- Britain will allow Kyiv access to classified technology for Storm Shadow missile production.
- Russia accused Britain and France of 'playing with fire' regarding their support for Ukraine.
- The EU has released €6.1bn in aid to Ukraine.
- Poland is increasing military readiness and preparing for a potential full-scale conflict.
Russia has issued a warning that it may target British military installations if Ukraine employs British-supplied missiles to conduct attacks on Russian territory. This statement follows reports indicating that France has also transferred missile technology to Ukraine. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated that Britain and France are 'playing with fire' and warned of 'catastrophic consequences' if the hostile line continues. The EU has released €6.1bn in aid to Ukraine. Reports also suggest a secretive visit by CIA Director John Ratcliffe to Moscow, amid US intelligence assessments that Russia might be planning to test NATO with a limited assault. Russia is believed to be contemplating further escalation of its war with Ukraine, following increased Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil refining infrastructure. Poland has announced the delivery of its first shipment of South Korean battle tanks, which will be deployed near the border with Russia’s Kaliningrad region, with its deputy defence minister stating Warsaw is preparing for the possibility of a full-scale conflict.