Russia accuses UK of escalation after British drones strike Russian targets
The Russian Embassy has branded the United Kingdom an accomplice following confirmation that British-made unmanned aerial vehicles were used in strikes on domestic infrastructure, including a major logistics hub.
Russia has formally accused the United Kingdom of deliberately escalating the conflict in Ukraine, citing the use of British-made drones in recent strikes on targets within Russian territory. The Russian Embassy to the UK issued a statement condemning London’s actions, describing the supply of such equipment as making the UK an accomplice and co-perpetrator of attacks on Russian soil. The embassy warned that Moscow would hold the UK accountable for its involvement, stating that the deeper Britain’s engagement in the conflict, the higher the price it would ultimately pay.
In response, a spokesperson for the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) reaffirmed the government’s position, stating that Britain stands shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine. The spokesperson emphasised the UK’s resolve to stand against Russian aggression not only in Ukraine but also against the UK and its allies. The Ministry of Defence confirmed its commitment to providing the equipment necessary for Ukraine to defend itself against what it describes as President Vladimir Putin’s illegal invasion.
The drones in question, built by two separate British companies, have been deployed in widespread strikes against military and industrial sites inside Russia. These targets include refineries and warehouses belonging to Wildberries, an online retailer often described as Russia’s equivalent to Amazon. Ukrainian officials have stated that seven out of ten of the company’s largest logistics centres have been disabled as a result of these attacks.
A military source confirmed to the BBC that UK-made drones were utilised in the operations, which are estimated to have caused more than £35bn in economic damage. Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova specifically noted that drones incorporating UK components and configurations were used to attack a fuel depot in the Kamensky District of the Rostov Region.
The diplomatic row follows a significant escalation in aerial activity, with Ukraine firing approximately 822 drones towards Russia on a recent Saturday night, 600 of which targeted Moscow. The attacks have resulted in casualties on both sides, with recent strikes killing nine people in Russia and at least seven in Ukraine. In April, the UK Ministry of Defence announced a package to supply Ukraine with tens of thousands of drones, including long-range strike devices, marking its largest-ever aid commitment of this nature.
