Vladimir Putin has reportedly warned Britain to change its approach to supporting Ukraine, saying Russia could target UK military sites if it does not. The warning raises concerns about a possible escalation beyond Ukraine, particularly because Britain has recently increased its military and technological co-operation with Kyiv.

The report says Prime Minister Andy Burnham was warned that Britain could face Russian retaliation, potentially against him personally or defence facilities. It follows a reported Moscow visit by CIA director John Ratcliffe, who urged the Kremlin not to escalate through nuclear weapons or attacks on Ukraine’s Western allies, citing intelligence that Russia may act after battlefield setbacks.