Russia warns UK over supplying drones to Ukraine

Russia has accused the United Kingdom of deliberately escalating the Ukraine crisis following confirmation that British-made drones were used in strikes targeting Russian territory. The Russian Embassy in London issued a strong statement, labeling the UK an "accomplice and co-perpetrator of the bloody crimes and terrorist attacks."

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In doing so, the United Kingdom is acting as an accomplice and co-perpetrator of the bloody crimes and terrorist attacks.

"London's actions will inevitably carry consequences for which it will have to answer," the embassy warned, adding that deeper involvement in the conflict would result in a higher price for the UK. This statement comes after British drones, manufactured by two separate companies, were reportedly used in successful attacks on Russian military and industrial sites, including refineries and warehouses belonging to the online retailer Wildberries.

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London's actions will inevitably carry consequences for which it will have to answer.

A Ministry of Defence spokesperson responded to the accusations, asserting that Britain stands "shoulder to shoulder" with Ukraine. The spokesperson emphasized that Russia should not doubt the UK government's resolve to oppose Russian aggression. "The UK is committed to providing the equipment Ukraine needs to defend itself against [Russian President Vladimir] Putin's illegal invasion," the spokesperson stated.

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Russia should be in no doubt about the resolve of this Government to stand against Russian aggression, in Ukraine and against the UK and our allies.

Ukraine has frequently targeted Wildberries, often referred to as Russia's version of Amazon, claiming to have disabled seven of its ten largest logistics centers. A military source confirmed to the BBC that UK drones were involved in these attacks, which are estimated to have caused over £35 billion in economic damage. Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 and currently occupies approximately one-fifth of Ukrainian territory. Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova also noted that drones with UK components and configurations were used in attacks on Russian territory, including a fuel depot in the Rostov Region.

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The UK, they added, was "committed to providing the equipment Ukraine needs to defend itself against [Russian President Vladimir] Putin's illegal invasion".