Russia has warned the United Kingdom of inevitable consequences after confirming that British-manufactured drones have been deployed in successful strikes against military and industrial targets deep inside Russian territory. The Russian Embassy in London accused the UK of intentionally escalating the conflict, labeling the country an accomplice to what it described as terrorist attacks.
In a strongly worded statement, the Russian Embassy declared that the UK is acting as a "co-perpetrator of the bloody crimes and terrorist attacks." The embassy warned that London's actions would carry unavoidable consequences, asserting that the deeper the UK's involvement in the war becomes, "the higher the price it will pay." Additionally, Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated that drones utilizing British components and configurations had targeted Russian territory, specifically pointing to an attack on a fuel depot located in the Kamensky District of the Rostov Region.
The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) firmly rejected the threats, with a spokesperson stating that Britain remains "shoulder to shoulder" with Ukraine. The spokesperson emphasized that Moscow should have no doubts regarding the UK government's resolve to stand against Russian aggression, both in Ukraine and against Western allies. The MoD reaffirmed its commitment to supplying the necessary military equipment for Ukraine to defend itself against Russian President Vladimir Putin's illegal invasion.
This follows an April announcement by the MoD pledging its largest-ever support package, which includes tens of thousands of drones and long-range strike devices.
A military source confirmed that British-made drones, manufactured by two separate UK companies, have been utilized in highly effective operations targeting Russian refineries and warehouses. Among the primary targets is the online retail giant Wildberries, often described as Russia's equivalent to Amazon. Ukrainian forces have repeatedly struck these facilities, claiming to have disabled seven out of ten of the company's largest logistics centers. According to military sources, these drone operations have inflicted more than £35 billion in economic damage on Russia.
The diplomatic row unfolds against the backdrop of escalating aerial warfare. Russia, which launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022 and currently occupies roughly one-fifth of Ukraine, recently experienced a massive wave of drone strikes. On a recent Saturday night, Ukraine launched approximately 822 drones toward Russia, with 600 directed at Moscow in what regional authorities described as one of the most massive aerial assaults in recent memory.
The weekend attacks resulted in seven reported deaths across Russia, while reciprocal Russian strikes on Ukraine killed at least seven people and injured more than 39. A subsequent strike on Monday left nine people dead and 23 injured, including a child, further intensifying the cross-border violence.
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