Russia warns European weapons factories could become military targets

On September 30, 2026, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova warned that European weapons production facilities supplying Ukraine are considered legitimate military targets by Moscow. This statement was issued in response to reports regarding Poland's interest in hosting a factory for the production of Patriot interceptor missiles.

Zakharova asserted that European nations are no longer just providing assistance to Kyiv but are becoming directly involved in the conflict through the establishment of joint military ventures and production plants. She explicitly warned that such facilities located outside of Ukrainian territory should not be considered immune from potential strikes, noting that those who believe otherwise are mistaken. According to the Russian official, this continued industrial support for Ukraine serves only to delay a resolution to the ongoing war.

While this declaration marks a significant escalation in rhetoric concerning the security of European military infrastructure, no specific immediate actions against these facilities were announced beyond the formal warning. The geopolitical tension remains high as the Russian government continues to frame Western industrial and military support for Ukraine as direct participation in the hostilities.