Russian President Vladimir Putin declined to say whether Moscow could strike military facilities in the United Kingdom, after Britain provided arms to Ukraine.

At a press conference in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, he was asked if Russia might retaliate by targeting sites in the UK. Putin replied: “That’s a secret. A military secret.”

He did not provide further detail on what any response might involve or how it would be determined.

Questions Over UK Retaliation

The exchange came amid continued Western support for Ukraine, which Moscow frames as a threat to Russia’s interests.

The comments also followed criticism of Russian actions in Europe. Germany said last month that Russia was responsible for a drone attack at Leipzig airport. Putin responded by accusing Germany of “planting the evidence”. German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt later described a “well-established pattern of Russian hybrid operations in Europe”.

Western Warning In Animal And Food Chain Terms

Putin also addressed wider tensions between Russia and Western countries. He called Western states “sharks” and said: “If anyone tries to drag us down the food chain, to gobble us up or devour us, they might get punched in the teeth.”

Russia, he added, was “ready to do that”, referring to what he said were expanding appetites and “teeth” among those he described as sharks.

In recent remarks, he has used similar imagery to justify the war in Ukraine, including comments about killer whales “tearing polar bears apart”.

War Language And Negotiation Signals

Although the Kremlin officially refers to its assault on Ukraine as a “special military operation”, Putin used the word “war” at the press conference, saying: “War is a brutal and unpredictable thing.”

He said he had “no doubt that the enemy will crumble”, while the conflict has continued for more than four-and-a-half years and Ukraine continues fighting.

Putin also said he remained open to negotiations, and pointed to specific contacts in the United States. He said Russia was comfortable working with people it “know[s] well and generally trust”, adding that Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff were always welcome: “[Kushner and Witkoff] are always welcome guests. It’s a pleasure working with them.”

Kushner, Witkoff And The CIA Director

The Kremlin did not name the CIA director in the same way. John Ratcliffe visited Moscow last week, according to reports, but the Kremlin said Putin did not meet him during the trip.

There was no indication of any meeting on the schedule, but Putin said any peace effort would be shaped by Russia’s position, as he has maintained that a settlement should be agreed on Russia’s terms.

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3 September 2026

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Putin sounds just as deranged as America's leader.