Russia warns UK over Ukraine drone supplies, says Britain will face ‘consequences’

Moscow has warned Britain that it will face "consequences" for its support of Ukraine, including the reported supply of drones used in strikes inside Russian territory. This warning has exacerbated tensions between Russia and the United Kingdom as long-range drone attacks continue to escalate the conflict.

Russia's embassy in London stated that British actions are making the country complicit in attacks against Russian soil and accused London of deliberately escalating the situation. The embassy claimed that as Britain's involvement in the conflict grows, so too will the price it must pay for its support of Ukraine.

Reports from the Times and Sunday Times revealed that British-made drones have been utilized by Ukraine in long-range strikes against military and industrial targets within Russia. The Sunday Times identified one of the companies involved as a BAE Systems subsidiary, though the other firm's identity remained undisclosed for security reasons.

Britain's Ministry of Defence did not confirm whether British-made drones had been employed in the strikes. In response to Russia's embassy comments, a ministry spokesperson emphasized that Britain remains "shoulder to shoulder" with Ukraine and is committed to providing the necessary equipment for Ukraine's defense against Russia's illegal invasion.

Since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Britain has been a significant military supporter of Ukraine, pledging around £25 billion in assistance, including £16 billion in military aid. In June, the UK announced plans to supply Ukraine with 150,000 drones by the end of 2026 as part of a £752 million funding package.

Ukraine has escalated its long-range drone campaign against Russia, with Moscow claiming that one of its largest drone attacks targeted the Russian capital and surrounding areas, downing 180 drones in the region. At least three people, including a 10-year-old girl, were injured in Wildberries warehouse and other facilities struck by the Ukrainian drones. Additionally, Ukrainian forces launched nearly 800 drones at targets across Russia, according to Russian officials, just two days after another large-scale drone attack.

Meanwhile, Russian forces continued their strikes on Ukraine, with a missile attack on a village in the northeastern Kharkiv region resulting in at least 10 deaths and eight injuries, according to Ukrainian officials.