An FP-2 middle strike drone flies after being launched by Servicemen of the 20th Separate K-2 Unmanned Systems Brigade of the Unmanned Systems Forces, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kharkiv region, Ukraine 16 August 2026;
Credit: REUTERS/Sofiia Gatilova
LONDON (Reuters) - Russia warned United Kingdom (UK) on Tuesday 18 August 2026 it would face consequences for supplying drones to Ukraine which are used to attack targets on Russian territory.
Russia's embassy in London was responding to a report in the Times newspaper on Saturday 15 August 2026 which said British-made drones had been used for long-range strikes against Russia for the first time.
"London's actions will inevitably carry consequences for which it will have to answer," the embassy said in a statement posted on its Telegram channel.
"The deeper its involvement in the conflict and the greater its support for Kiev's terrorist machinery, the higher the price it will pay."
Ukraine has been using deep-strike drones to hit oil refineries and logistics facilities.
UK's Ministry of Defence did not confirm whether British drones had been used.
In June, UK said it would provide 150,000 drones to Ukraine by the end of 2026 as part of a €860 million funding package.
Asked about the Russian embassy comments, a defence ministry spokesperson said: "Britain stands shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine and we are committed to providing the equipment Ukraine needs to defend itself against Putin's illegal invasion."
Since the start of Russia's war against Ukraine in 2022, Moscow has repeatedly warned UK and other Western allies that their support for Kyiv, including the supply of equipment, could provoke retaliatory measures and increase the risk of a broader confrontation.
