Embassy warns Britain of 'consequences' for providing drones to Ukraine used to attack Russia

On Tuesday, Russia's embassy in London issued a stern warning that Britain could face consequences for supplying Ukraine with drones to be used against Russian targets. The embassy's statement, posted on its Telegram channel, came in response to a report in The Times newspaper the previous weekend. The report claimed that British-made drones had been deployed for the first time in long-range strikes against Russia.

The Russian embassy's warning intensified its criticism of Britain's growing involvement in the conflict. It stated that the more Britain supported Kyiv's "terrorist machinery," the greater the price Britain would have to pay. The embassy emphasized that the deeper Britain's involvement, the higher the risk of a broader confrontation.

Ukraine has been employing deep-strike drones to target oil refineries and logistics facilities. However, Britain's Ministry of Defence did not confirm whether British drones had been used in these strikes. In June, Britain pledged to provide 150,000 drones to Ukraine by the end of 2026 as part of a £752 million funding package.

When asked about the Russian embassy's comments, a defense ministry spokesperson reaffirmed Britain's commitment to Ukraine. The spokesperson stated that Britain stands "shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine" and is dedicated to equipping Kyiv with the necessary tools to defend itself against Russia's illegal invasion of the country.

Since the outbreak of Russia's war against Ukraine in 2022, Moscow has repeatedly threatened Britain and other Western allies. The threats include retaliatory measures and the risk of a larger conflict if Britain and other Western nations continue to support Kyiv, including through the provision of military equipment.