Russia threatens European arms factories supplying Ukraine, says they are 'not safe'

The Russian Foreign Ministry has warned that European arms factories supplying Ukraine may become military targets, according to a statement made on September 30. This warning came in the wake of Russia's earlier threat to NATO with nuclear weapons if alliance members try to isolate Kaliningrad Oblast. In addition, Western officials have expressed concerns over what they perceive as escalating Russian hybrid operations against NATO.

Zakharova, the spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, emphasized that one should not assume that military factories outside Ukraine that produce weapons for Ukraine are safe. She stated that anyone who believes this is mistaken. This warning follows a September 29 statement from Estonia, which accused Russian intelligence of being behind an arson attack on an Estonian defense contractor's building in Tallinn in August.

The warning from Russia has come amid growing concerns among Western officials over alleged Russian hybrid operations on NATO territory. These operations have been particularly focused on countries along the alliance's eastern flank and those that support Ukraine. For instance, Germany accused Moscow of orchestrating a drone attack attempt against Leipzig Airport earlier this month.

Similarly, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk warned that Russia could launch an "accidental" drone attack into NATO territory to test the alliance's unity.