World

Putin forces launch biggest Russian attack this year – as Kremlin threatens UK

Putin orders the biggest attack on Ukraine of the year, setting cities ablaze, as his mouthpiece follows up with a direct and chilling threat to Britain for supporting the war effort

Kremlin war chiefs have followed up its biggest onslaught on Ukraine with a direct threat to the UK aimed at Britain’s support for Kyiv’s war effort.

Last night it hit Ukraine with the biggest missile attack this year, killing at least 16. And Russian defence chiefs then named the locations of facilities they claim make war-fighting equipment for Kyiv’s troops.

They refer to them as “targets” and published a warning that Ukraine is “increasingly drawing these countries into war with Russia.” Overnight Russia l aunched a staggering 31 missiles and 636 drones into Ukraine, smashing Kyiv, Dnipro, Odesa and Kharkiv, leaving at least 100 injured. The attacks included ballistic missiles and drones, setting off uncontrollable blazes throughout the country and causing widespread damage.

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Vladimir Putin ’s defence ministry today published four locations of UK facilities it alleges are producing military equipment for the Ukrainian armed forces to target Russian territory. It is just days since the UK declared it would supply Ukraine with 120,000 drones to help defend against Russian attack.

Others “targets” are in multiple European countries. Senior Kremlin official and former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev cautioned Western leaders that the threat should be “taken literally.”

He said: “The list of European facilities which make drones and other equipment is a list of potential targets for the Russian armed forces. When strikes become a reality depends on what comes next. Sleep well, European partners!”

Medvedev is Putin’s second-in-command on the Russian Security Council. The Russian defence ministry said: “The leadership of several European countries, amid mounting losses and a worsening shortage of manpower in the Ukrainian Armed Forces, decided to increase the production and supply of UAVs to Ukraine for strikes on Russian territory.

“A significant increase in UAV production for the Kyiv regime is planned through increased funding for Ukrainian and joint enterprises located in European countries that produce attack drones and their components.” The ministry said: “We regard this decision as a deliberate step leading to a sharp escalation of the military-political situation throughout Europe and the creeping transformation of these countries into Ukraine’s strategic rear area.”

The Russian defence ministry also named alleged production facilities in Germany, Denmark, The Netherlands, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, the Czech Republic, Spain, Italy, Israel and Turkey. President Volodymyr Zelensky said of the overnight Kremlin attacks that Russia does not deserve the lifting of sanctions.

He stormed: “There can be no normalization of Russia as it is today. Pressure on Russia must work. And it is important to fulfill every promise of assistance to Ukraine on time.” It comes amid growing concerns the Iran war has diverted attention and resources to the Middle East whilst Ukraine’s civilians suffer appalling Kremlin violence.

Russia has lost 1,315,070 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022 and peace negotiations are ongoing. It lost 1,100 troops to death and injury in the past 24 hours.