Russia Warns European Arms Factories Are Potential Military Targets

Russia has declared that factories in Europe producing arms for Ukraine are legitimate and potential military targets, according to Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova.

Zakharova stated on Wednesday that European countries are directly involved in the conflict through their military support for Ukraine, and that this involvement delays a resolution. She specifically addressed Poland's readiness to host a Patriot missile factory, asserting that such facilities outside Ukrainian territory would not be safe. Zakharova added that by opening arms factories and joint ventures, European nations are fully involved in the conflict.

European Commissioner for Defence Andrius Kubilius, meanwhile, called for Europe's response to Russian hybrid attacks to be as painful as that attack. Kubilius noted a recent increase in hybrid attacks attributed to Moscow, including an arson attack on a drone maker supplying Ukraine and an attempted drone attack on Ukrainian cargo planes at Leipzig/Halle Airport.

He urged Europe to sharpen its response and adopt a hybrid defence against what he described as Russia's efforts to sow fear. This statement comes as Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev suggested the EU should engage diplomatically with Russia to avert a nuclear attack, emphasizing that diplomacy, not just weapons delivery, is necessary for peace.