British media began publishing maps showing the locations of military sites across the country shortly after Moscow warned that its response to Ukrainian strikes involving British weapons could extend to UK military facilities. The published schemes identify bases used by the Royal Air Force and the British Army.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said the previous day that Moscow was receiving information about London transferring technological data to Kiev that could be used to organize the production of Storm Shadow cruise missiles at Ukrainian facilities. She warned that if British weapons were used for strikes against Russia, retaliatory action could target UK military sites both in Ukraine and beyond its borders.

The Independent later published detailed maps of Britain’s military infrastructure. According to the newspaper, the United Kingdom has more than 2,000 military sites, including reserve facilities.

Among the largest British Army centers listed by the outlet are Aldershot Garrison in Hampshire, Colchester in Essex, Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire, Catterick in North Yorkshire and Beacon Barracks in Staffordshire.

The publication also included a map marking more than 30 Royal Air Force facilities. A separate interactive graphic shows how military infrastructure is distributed across different parts of Britain.

The highest concentration is around Aldershot in southern England, where 35 military sites are located. Another 32 are situated in western Scotland, across Argyll, Bute and South Lochaber.

The article triggered sarcastic reactions on social media. Some users began naming British cities and districts with large migrant populations instead of genuine military facilities.

Scottish X user MacGregor Mackenzie sarcastically expressed hope that supposed ammunition factories in Bradford, Birmingham, Tower Hamlets and Newham would not come under attack.

Earlier, British Prime Minister Andy Burnham said the «coalition of the willing» intends to hold exercises to prepare a contingent for deployment to Ukraine. The transfer of troops is planned to begin after a ceasefire agreement is reached.