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Russia has accused the United Kingdom (UK) of escalating the Ukraine conflict after confirming that British-made drones have been used in strikes against targets inside Russian territory.
The Russian Embassy in London said the UK had become “an accomplice and co-perpetrator” of attacks it described as criminal and terrorist acts. In a statement, the embassy warned that Britain’s involvement would have consequences, adding that “the deeper its involvement in the conflict, the higher the price it will pay.”
The warning follows reports that drones produced by two British companies have been used by Ukraine in attacks against Russian military and industrial facilities, including fuel refineries and warehouses operated by Wildberries, Russia’s largest online retailer.
A military source confirmed that UK-made drones were involved in the operations, which reportedly caused significant damage to strategic sites. Ukrainian officials have previously said attacks on Wildberries logistics centres have affected seven of the company’s 10 largest facilities.
Responding to Moscow’s claims, a spokesperson for the UK Ministry of Defence said Britain remained committed to supporting Ukraine.
“Russia should be in no doubt about the resolve of this Government to stand against Russian aggression, in Ukraine and against the UK and our allies,” the spokesperson said.
The ministry added that the UK would continue supplying Ukraine with military equipment needed to defend itself against Russia’s invasion.
The accusations have come as both sides have exchanged large-scale drone attacks. Russian officials said hundreds of Ukrainian drones targeted areas around Moscow, with air defences destroying many of them. Several people were injured, while a Wildberries logistics facility near Moscow sustained minor damage after a strike.
Ukraine has also reported casualties following Russian attacks. Authorities in Zaporizhzhia said at least two people were killed and four others injured after Russian forces launched strikes across the region.
Russia began its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 and currently controls large areas of Ukrainian territory.
In April, the UK announced a major military support package that included tens of thousands of drones for Ukraine, including long-range strike systems.
