Moscow has issued a stern warning to London following reports that unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) manufactured by British companies have been used for the first time to strike targets within Russian territory.
According to the Operative Information Center-OMM, international media outlets have reported that Ukrainian forces utilized drones produced by two British firms during recent strike operations.
Kyiv has significantly expanded its operations within Russia this year, intensifying long-range missile and drone attacks against Russian military-industrial and energy infrastructure. Among the targets hit were massive warehouses belonging to Wildberries, Russia's largest online retailer. Reports indicate that these strikes resulted in the destruction of goods worth billions of pounds, bringing the direct impact of the war closer to the Russian public and inflicting further damage on the national economy.
In a statement, the Russian Embassy in London characterized these reports as evidence that the United Kingdom has chosen to further escalate the conflict in Ukraine. The embassy accused London of attempting to contain Russia and inflict maximum damage by utilizing proxy forces. The statement warned, "The actions of those in London will inevitably lead to consequences for which they will be held accountable. As the level of involvement in the conflict deepens and support for Kyiv's terror mechanism increases, the price they will pay will be equally high."
A spokesperson for the UK Ministry of Defense reiterated the country's unwavering support for Ukraine. The official stated that the United Kingdom remains committed to providing the equipment necessary for Ukraine to defend itself against the illegal invasion ordered by Russian President Vladimir Putin. "Russia should not doubt this government's resolve to stand against Russian aggression," the official emphasized.
Analysts note that Ukraine's long-range drone strategy is primarily aimed at reducing Russia's war-related revenues and ensuring the consequences of the conflict are felt more acutely by the Russian population. Meanwhile, the Russian Ministry of Defense claimed that during recent operations, 598 Ukrainian drones were intercepted over 19 regions, as well as the Black Sea, the Sea of Azov, and Crimea.
The expansion of Ukrainian drone strikes deep into Russian territory has added a new layer of pressure to the already strained diplomatic relations between Moscow and London, marking a significant development in the ongoing conflict.
