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Russia has threatened Britain with “consequences” after reports that British-made drones were used by Ukraine to strike targets deep inside Russian territory.
The Russian embassy in London accused the UK of escalating the war after reports that drones manufactured by two British companies had been deployed in Ukraine’s recent long-range attacks.
“London’s actions will inevitably carry consequences for which it will have to answer,” the embassy said.
“The deeper its involvement in the conflict and the greater its support for Kyiv’s terrorist machinery, the higher the price it will pay.”
Prime Minister Andy Burnham rejected the warning on Tuesday and said Britain would continue to support Ukraine.
“This is the UK doing what it has long said it would do, which is to support Ukraine 100 per cent against this illegal war led by Vladimir Putin.
“We are providing support so that Ukraine can defend itself, and that’s been the British position all the way through this conflict by previous prime ministers.
“We are not fair-weather friends. We will be there in Ukraine’s hour of need, and that won’t change.”
The Ministry of Defence has not confirmed whether British-made drones were used in the latest strikes. It said Russia should have “no doubt about the resolve of this Government to stand against Russian aggression, in Ukraine and against the UK and our allies”.
Ukraine has increased long-range attacks on targets inside Russia. Oil refineries, military facilities, industrial sites and logistics infrastructure have been among the targets.
Britain has become one of Ukraine’s largest military supporters since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022. UK military assistance has included Challenger 2 main battle tanks, AS90 self-propelled artillery, Storm Shadow long-range cruise missiles, anti-tank weapons, armoured vehicles, ammunition, air-defence systems and drones.
The supply of drones has become an increasingly important part of British support.
In June, the Government announced that the UK would provide 150,000 Ukrainian-produced drones by the end of 2026. Britain also committed more than 350 air-defence missiles and radars under the same package.
Britain is also supporting the development of new long-range weapons for Ukraine. Under Project Brakestop, British companies are developing lower-cost long-range strike systems designed to be produced quickly and at scale. Three companies have progressed through UK testing, with further trials planned in Ukraine.
The UK has also supplied Storm Shadow cruise missiles to Ukraine. The weapon gives Ukrainian forces the ability to strike targets well beyond the front line and has previously been used against targets in Russian-held territory and inside Russia.
Britain has committed £3 billion a year in military assistance to Ukraine until 2030-31 and for as long as necessary. The Government says its support is intended to give Ukraine the equipment required to defend itself against Russia’s invasion.
Moscow has repeatedly warned Britain and other Nato countries against supplying weapons that can be used against targets inside Russia.
The latest warning comes as Ukraine expands its deep-strike campaign and Britain increases its support for Ukrainian drone and long-range weapons programmes.
