Russia threatened on Thursday to launch attacks on British military targets in Ukraine and beyond, in response to Ukrainian strikes using British long-range missiles against targets in Russia.

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated that, according to Moscow, London is "one step" away from legal complicity in what Russia describes as terrorism against its civilians. She also warned Britain of "inevitable catastrophic consequences" if it does not change its course of action.

Moscow is reacting to Ukraine's use of British-French Storm Shadow/SCALP missiles. Tensions were further heightened by Monday's announcement that Britain had granted Kyiv access to classified technologies needed to begin its own production of these missiles. France has also already granted a technology license.

Zakharova accused Britain and France of "playing with fire" and warned of unpredictable consequences and further escalation of the conflict.

On Wednesday, Russia accused Ukraine of launching Storm Shadow missiles at a shopping center in Russian-controlled Donetsk, an attack in which, according to Moscow, civilians, including children, were injured. Ukraine did not immediately comment, and Reuters was unable to independently verify the claims.

(Reuters, lud)