UK warned by Russia about arming Ukraine with drones

UK warned by Russia about arming Ukraine with drones

Mohan Sinha
19 Aug 2026, 14:15 GMT+

LONDON, U.K.: Russia warned Britain on August 18 that it could face consequences for supplying drones to Ukraine that are being used to attack targets inside Russian territory.

The Russian embassy in London was responding to a report published by The Times on August 15. The report said British-made drones had been used in long-range attacks against Russia for the first time.

The embassy said in a statement posted on its Telegram channel that Britain's actions would lead to consequences for which it would be held responsible.

It also warned that the more deeply Britain became involved in the conflict and the more support it gave Ukraine's military operations, the greater the consequences would be.

Ukraine has been using long-range attack drones to strike oil refineries and logistics facilities in Russia.

Britain's Ministry of Defence did not confirm whether British-made drones were used in the attacks. However, Prime Minister Andy Burnham said Britain would continue to support Ukraine "100%" in its fight against Russia's invasion.

"This is the UK doing what it has long said it would do, which is to support Ukraine 100% against this illegal war led by Vladimir Putin," Burnham told reporters.

He said Britain was providing support to help Ukraine defend itself and that this had been the country's position throughout the conflict, including under previous prime ministers.

Burnham added that Britain was "not fair weather friends" and would continue to stand by Ukraine during difficult times. He said this support would not change.

In June, Britain announced that it would provide Ukraine with 150,000 drones by the end of 2026. The commitment was part of a £752 million (US$996 million) funding package for Ukraine.

In response to the comments from the Russian embassy, a British Ministry of Defense spokesperson said: "Britain stands shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine, and we are committed to providing the equipment Ukraine needs to defend itself against Putin's illegal invasion."

Since Russia began its war against Ukraine in 2022, Moscow has repeatedly warned Britain and other Western countries that their support for Kyiv, including the supply of military equipment, could lead to retaliatory action and increase the risk  Breaking Media news, of a wider confrontation.

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