Russia has warned Britain of unspecified consequences over its military support for Ukraine, after a report said British-made drones had been used to conduct long-range strikes against targets inside Russian territory.
The warning came from Russia’s embassy in London on Tuesday, following a report published by the Times on Saturday that said British-made drones had been used against Russia for the first time in long-range attacks.
The embassy said Britain’s actions would “inevitably carry consequences” and warned that the cost would increase as London’s involvement in the war deepened.
Russia has repeatedly warned Britain and other Western countries since the start of its war against Ukraine in 2022 that their military support for Kyiv could provoke retaliatory measures and increase the risk of a wider confrontation.
Britain did not confirm drone use
Britain’s Ministry of Defense did not confirm whether British-made drones had been used in the strikes.
Ukraine has increasingly used deep-strike drones against targets including oil refineries and logistics facilities in Russia.
The British government has nevertheless continued to expand its support for Ukraine’s drone capabilities. In June, Britain announced that it would provide Ukraine with 150,000 drones by the end of 2026 as part of a £752 million ($996 million) funding package.
Responding to the Russian embassy’s warning, a British Defence Ministry spokesperson said Britain remained fully committed to supporting Ukraine.
“Britain stands shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine,” the spokesperson said, adding that London would continue providing the equipment Ukraine needs to defend itself against Russia’s invasion.
