Russia warns UK of consequences over use of British drones in Ukraine strikes

Russia has formally warned the United Kingdom that its continued military support for Ukraine, including the supply of drones, will carry consequences. The warning follows confirmation that British-made unmanned aerial vehicles have been used in Ukrainian attacks on targets inside Russian territory.

In a statement, the Russian Embassy in London accused the UK of deliberately escalating the Ukraine crisis. The embassy described London's role as that of an accomplice in what it termed "bloody crimes and terrorist attacks". The statement warned that deeper UK involvement in the conflict would lead to a higher price being paid.

The UK Ministry of Defence responded by reaffirming its support for Ukraine. A spokesperson said Britain stands "shoulder to shoulder" with Ukraine and that Russia should have no doubt about the UK government's resolve to oppose Russian aggression. The spokesperson added that the UK is committed to providing the equipment Ukraine needs to defend itself against what it called President Vladimir Putin's illegal invasion.

The drones in question are built by two British companies and have been used inside Russia to target military and industrial sites, including refineries and logistics centres of the online retailer Wildberries. Ukraine has repeatedly struck the company, which is often described as Russia's equivalent of Amazon. Ukrainian officials say seven out of ten of Wildberries' largest logistics centres have been disabled.

A military source confirmed to the BBC that UK-supplied drones were used in these attacks, which are estimated to have caused more than £35 billion in economic damage to Russia. Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has also stated that drones using UK components and configurations were used to attack Russian territory, including a fuel depot in the Kamensky District of the Rostov Region.

The exchange highlights the increasingly direct tension between Russia and NATO member states supporting Ukraine. Since Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022, Ukraine has relied heavily on Western-supplied weapons, including long-range drones, to strike targets inside Russian territory. Moscow has consistently warned that such support risks broadening the conflict.

The UK has not confirmed operational details of drone use, but has repeatedly stated its right to support Ukraine's self-defence under international law. The British government maintains that its military aid is defensive and intended to help Ukraine regain its sovereign territory, which Russia currently controls roughly a fifth of.

This latest diplomatic clash comes amid ongoing international efforts to de-escalate the conflict, with no immediate sign of a ceasefire or negotiated settlement. The rhetoric from both sides underscores the fragility of communication between Moscow and London as the war continues into its third year.