Kremlin: UK's BAE Systems' Ukraine base could be target for Russian military

The Kremlin on Friday said it took a negative view of UK defence contractor BAE Systems' decision to establish itself in Ukraine, and that any facilities producing weapons used against Russia would become targets for Moscow's military.

Asked about the move in a call with reporters, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said: "Of course, any facilities for the production of weapons, especially if these weapons fire at us, they become objects of special attention for our military." He said the move would not influence the course of the conflict in Ukraine, or contribute to a reduction of hostilities.

BAE Systems, Britain's biggest defence company, said on Thursday it had set up a unit

in Ukraine and signed deals with the government to boost Kyiv's supplies of weapons and equipment. It said the move would enable BAE to work directly with Kyiv to explore potential partners for a plan to ultimately produce 105mm light guns, a kind of artillery weapon, in Ukraine, and to better understand Ukraine's defence requirements.