UK minister reaffirms support for Ukraine after Russian warning over British drones

The UK government said it will continue to provide Ukraine with military equipment after Russia warned of "consequences" following reports that British-built drones were used in attacks on Russian soil. The Sunday Times reported that unmanned aircraft from two British manufacturers were employed in a deep-strike campaign against targets in Russia.

Russia’s embassy in London described the reports as evidence that Britain is deliberately escalating the conflict and seeking to inflict maximum damage on Russia by proxy. It warned that "London’s actions will inevitably carry consequences for which it will have to answer."

Work and Pensions Minister Lilian Greenwood told Sky News that the United Kingdom remains "shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine" and that its resolve to supply the needed equipment is "completely steadfast." A Ministry of Defence spokesperson echoed the sentiment, stating that Britain is committed to helping Ukraine defend itself against what it called Putin’s illegal invasion.

Former Russian deputy foreign minister Andrey Fedorov told BBC Radio 4 that there is a perception in Moscow that NATO may not respond militarily to an attack on the UK, suggesting the alliance might limit its reaction to a political statement rather than collective defence.

Ukraine has increased the frequency of long-range missile and drone strikes inside Russia this year, targeting military facilities, energy infrastructure and commercial warehouses, which analysts say aims to reduce Moscow’s war financing and bring the conflict closer to Russian civilians.