Moscow warns of ‘consequences’ after reports UK-made drones strike targets in Russia

Russia on Monday warned Britain that it would pay a “price” over reports that UK-made drones supplied to Ukraine had been used in strikes deep inside Russian territory.

The warning followed a report by The Sunday Times that drones manufactured by two British companies had been deployed by Kyiv to target military and industrial sites inside Russia.

In a statement, the Russian embassy in London accused Britain of becoming an “accomplice and co-perpetrator” in the attacks and deliberately escalating the conflict.

“The deeper its involvement in the conflict and the greater its support for Kiev’s terrorist machinery, the higher the price it will pay,” the embassy said.

The Sunday Times reported that one of the companies involved is a subsidiary of defence giant BAE Systems. It did not name the second company, citing security concerns.

Britain’s defence ministry did not immediately comment on the report.

The UK has been among Ukraine’s strongest supporters since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022. London has committed around £25 billion in support for Kyiv, including about £16 billion in military assistance.

Ukraine has intensified long-range strikes against targets inside Russia in recent months, while Moscow has also stepped up missile and drone attacks on Kyiv and other parts of Ukraine.