Russia Identifies 23 UK Sites as Potential Targets in Escalating Rhetoric
London, UK – A Russian official has publicly identified 23 towns and cities across the United Kingdom as potential targets for Russian missile strikes, raising fears of escalating tensions amid the conflict in Ukraine. The threats stem from a response to comments made by former UK Defence Secretary Ben Wallace regarding Crimea.
Dmitry Rogozin, a Russian senator and veteran who previously held positions as deputy Premier and head of the Russian space agency, warned the UK could become “deadly risky.” He published a map in May – based on the UK government’s 2025 Defence Industrial Strategy document – highlighting defence-related sites as potential targets. This followed Wallace’s statement advocating for providing Ukraine with the means to make Crimea ”uninhabitable” and “unviable” from a Russian outlook.
Rogozin stated Wallace had “on his tongue” what a “sober minister has in mind,” adding,”It is even good that they reveal their true intentions. It is indeed useful to read this for those of us who still consider peace with imperialist aggressors possible.” He further advised Russian oligarchs against sending their children to study in England, deeming it “deadly dangerous.”
The threats were amplified by Russian television propagandist Vladimir Solovyov, who stated Rogozin had “posted a reminder of targets in Britain that could be destroyed first.” Solovyov verbally attacked Wallace, calling him “a piece of **** who lost his job” and a “nobody.” He also alluded to the potential use of Russia’s poseidon underwater nuclear drone against Britain.
Solovyov further claimed Wallace “doesn’t care about the lives of Crimeans, he doesn’t care about their opinion,” and dismissed his political ambitions, noting he was passed over for the position of NATO head by the Biden administration.
The identification of these specific locations represents a significant escalation in rhetoric from Russian officials, raising concerns about potential future actions. The 23 sites identified are linked to the UK’s defence industry and are detailed in the publicly available “Defence Industrial Strategy 2025: Making Defence an Engine for Growth” policy paper.