In brief
Russia has publicly blamed the UK for escalating the war with Ukraine, saying that British-supplied or -designed drones were used to target Russian military and industrial sites. The Russian embassy claims the UK is co‑perpetrating violent acts, while the UK Defence Ministry defends its support of Ukraine, stressing its right to safeguard itself. Ukraine’s use of these drones has reportedly damaged major Russian logistics hubs, inflicting over £35 billion in damage and killing civilians, prompting Russia to warn the UK of impending consequences. The incident follows a surge of drone attacks on Russia, including a large raid on Moscow that suffered multiple casualties. The dispute highlights the escalating global stakes of the Ukraine conflict and illustrates how technological collaboration can cross national borders and intensify war dynamics.
Russia warns UK over supplying drones to Ukraine
Russia has accused the UK of deliberately escalating the Ukraine crisis...
In a statement, the Russian Embassy to the UK described Britain’s actions as “an accomplice and co‑perpetrator” of violent attacks. It warned that increased involvement would only raise the “price” the UK would pay.
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Defence said Britain stood “shoulder to shoulder” with Ukraine, pledging to supply the equipment needed to confront Russian aggression, including the drones in question.
These British‑made drones have been deployed inside Russia, striking military bases and the online retailer Wildberries’s logistics hubs. Ukraine claims that seven of the ten largest Wildberries centres have been disabled, causing over £35 bn in economic damage.
A military source confirmed to the BBC that UK drones were used in these attacks. Russia’s full‑scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022; it currently controls about a fifth of Ukrainian territory.
Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova noted that drones using UK components targeted Russian sites, including a fuel depot in Rostov Region’s Kamensky District.
Moscow’s warning coincides with a wave of Ukrainian strikes, such as the recent raid on Monday that left nine dead and 23 injured, including a child. Ukraine reportedly launched 822 drones towards Russia on Saturday night, with 600 intercepted over Moscow. Russia countered, killing at least seven Ukrainians and injuring more than 39.
In April, the UK MoD announced it would supply tens of thousands of drones, including long‑range strike devices, in its biggest ever package.
