Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu warned Ukraine on June 20 of “immediate retaliation” if Kyiv attacks Crimea with Western missiles. “Leaders of the Ukrainian armed forces plan to shell Russian territory, including [Ukraine’s Russia-annexed] Crimea, with [U.S.-made] HIMARS and [British-made] Storm Shadow missiles,” Shoigu said, adding that the use of such missiles “outside the zone of the special military operation would signify the United States’ and Great Britain’s full-fledged involvement in the conflict and will lead to immediate strikes on decision-making centers in Ukraine.” In recent weeks Crimea and Russian regions bordering Ukraine have reported several drone attacks on their territory. Kyiv has not commented on the matter.

Shoigu told a meeting of military officers that Moscow has information that Ukraine is planning to strike Crimea with long-range HIMARS missile systems, supplied by the US, and Storm Shadow cruise missiles, supplied by Britain.

“The use of these missiles outside the zone of our special military operation will mean that the US and Britain will be fully drawn into the conflict and that it will include direct strikes on decision-making centers in Ukraine,” Shoigu said.