Russia warns UK of consequences over British drones used by Ukraine

Russia has warned the United Kingdom of "consequences" following reports that Ukraine used British-made drones to strike military and industrial targets within Russian territory.

The Russian embassy in London issued a statement accusing Britain of "deliberately opting for an escalation of the Ukraine crisis" and being "complicit and co-author" of the 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 of Kiev's terrorist machinery, the higher the price it will pay."

According to the Sunday Times, Ukraine deployed drones manufactured by two British companies in recent strikes. One of the companies involved is a subsidiary of BAE Systems, a major defence contractor. The attacks targeted military installations and industrial facilities controlled by the Kremlin, as well as logistics sites and warehouses belonging to Wildberries, Russia's largest online retailer.

Ukraine has intensified its deep-strike campaign against targets inside Russia this year, using long-range missiles and drone swarms to target military industries, energy facilities, and commercial infrastructure. The strikes on Wildberries depots have destroyed billions of pounds' worth of merchandise.

The UK Ministry of Defence responded to Russia's threat by reaffirming its support for Ukraine. A spokesperson said Britain stood "shoulder to shoulder" with Ukraine and was "committed to providing equipment Ukraine needs to defend itself against Putin's illegal invasion." The ministry added that Russia should be in no doubt about the resolve of the UK and its allies.