Russia accuses Ukraine and UK of missile attack on electronics plant in Bryansk

Russia has accused Ukraine and the United Kingdom of carrying out a terrorist attack on the Kremniy El electronics plant in Bryansk, which occurred on March 12, 2026. According to the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and media reports, British long-range Storm Shadow missiles were used in the strike. The attack occurred on the 1479th day of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine and resulted in reported fatalities and injuries, although the exact number of casualties was not specified in official statements. The Kremniy El plant is a key component of Russia's defense industry, producing components for missile systems, including Iskander missiles. The Kremniy El plant in Bryansk is one of Russia's largest microelectronics producers, and its importance has grown following the imposition of Western sanctions limiting access to foreign technology. The city of Bryansk, located about 380 km southwest of Moscow, has become a regular target for drone and missile attacks since the start of the conflict in 2022 due to its border location and military infrastructure. Previous strikes in this region have mainly focused on fuel depots and railway hubs supporting Russian army logistics.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated that the United Kingdom is directly involved in planning and executing the strike on a civilian facility. The Russian side maintains that British intelligence provided the data and technical support necessary to program the Storm Shadow missiles. Zakharova described the incident as an escalation of the conflict that makes London a party to the war. „We have no doubt that this terrorist attack was planned and carried out with the direct involvement of British special services, who provided coordinates and technical support” — Maria Zakharova via Reuters

Ukrainian military command confirmed carrying out the attack, publishing footage purporting to show the moment the factory was hit. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the armed forces struck a key plant producing components for the missiles Russia uses to attack Ukrainian cities. Western media, citing sources in Ukrainian intelligence, indicate the operation aimed to paralyze production of Iskander systems. Despite Russian accusations of attacking civilian targets, the Ukrainian side emphasizes the military nature of the Kremniy El plant as a legitimate wartime target. 1479 (dzień) — of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine Timeline of the Bryansk incident: March 12, morning — Missile attack; March 12, noon — Ukrainian confirmation; March 12, evening — Russian accusations; March 13 — Media reaction

The Kremlin's reaction to the use of British weapons for an attack deep within internationally recognized Russian territory has sparked a wave of diplomatic tensions. Russian state media suggests that London has now become Moscow's "biggest enemy," which could lead to retaliatory actions against British interests. The United Kingdom, which was among the first to supply Ukraine with long-range missiles, has not officially commented on the details of the Bryansk operation, upholding Ukraine's right to self-defense against Russian aggression.