The Kremlin says European countries are becoming more directly involved in the war over Ukraine after Russia's Defence Ministry published a list of alleged drone production sites across Europe and in Britain. The ministry warned against stepped-up drone deliveries to Kyiv and named facilities in a dozen countries. Former president Dmitry Medvedev called the list a catalogue of potential targets, while Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov declined to give a direct yes-or-no on whether strikes are being considered.
Kremlin Says European Drone Support Shows Growing Involvement In Ukraine Conflict
A worker walks at a site of a building hit by a yesterday's Russian missile and drone strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine April 17, 2026. REUTERS/Anatolii Stepanov
MOSCOW, April 17 (Reuters) — The Kremlin warned on Friday that several European countries are becoming more directly involved in the war over Ukraine, citing a recent Russian Defence Ministry publication that identified suspected drone production sites across the continent and in Britain.
On Wednesday, the Defence Ministry urged European nations to rethink plans to increase drone supplies to Ukraine and released a list of factories and enterprises it said were involved in producing drones or drone components. The list named facilities in Britain, Germany, Denmark, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Poland, the Czech Republic, Spain, Italy, Israel and Turkey.
Dmitry Medvedev, former Russian president and current deputy chairman of Russia's Security Council, described the list as effectively identifying potential targets for Russian forces. "When strikes become a reality depends on what comes next. Sleep well, European partners!" he wrote on X.
When asked whether the Defence Ministry's publication and Medvedev's remarks signalled that Russia was seriously considering strikes on European sites, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov declined to answer with a simple yes or no. "These countries are becoming increasingly directly involved in the conflict, in the war surrounding Ukraine," Peskov said, adding that the Defence Ministry's statement provided the details.
The Defence Ministry's list and Medvedev's comments have raised concerns among European governments about the possibility of escalation beyond Ukraine's borders. Western officials have in recent months increased military assistance to Ukraine, including drones and related technology, saying such support is necessary for Ukraine's defence.
(Reporting by Dmitry Antonov; Writing by Maxim Rodionov; Editing by Andrew Osborn)
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