UK BAE Systems Warns, Kremlin: Bases In Ukraine Could Be Russian Military Targets

Dmitry Peskov. (Wikimedia Commons/men's

JAKARTA - The Kremlin views the UK defense company BAE Systems' decision to build its base in Ukraine as a negative thing, saying any facility that produces weapons against Russia will be targeted by the Moscow military.

When asked about the move by phone call with reporters, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said: "Of course, any weapons production facility, especially if this weapon is fired at us, will be the object of our military's special attention," Reuters reported on September 1.

The move will not affect the course of the conflict in Ukraine, or contribute to reducing hostilities, the Kremlin said.

Earlier, BAE Systems on Thursday said it had set up a unit in Ukraine and signed a deal with the local government to increase arms and equipment supplies to Kyiv.

It said the move would allow BAE to work directly with Kyiv to explore potential partners in its 105mm light weapons production plan, a kind of artillery weapon, in Ukraine and to better understand Ukraine's defense needs.

BAE itself has provided most of the equipment provided to Ukraine by Britain and other governments to fend off Russia's invasion.

Britain is one of the main defense suppliers to Ukraine. Last May, Britain became the first country to start supplying long-range cruise missiles to Kyiv.

Western defense companies have considered opportunities to make weapons in Ukraine taking into account possible security risks, Reuters reported in June.