Russia Warns UK of 'Consequences' After Ukrainian Drones Strike Deep Inside Russia
Federica Marsi
Russia warned the UK of inevitable 'consequences' over its drone supplies to Ukraine, which have been used in deep strikes on Russian territory. The Kremlin also hinted at possible direct conflict, while Moscow experts believe NATO may not respond if Russia attacks the UK.
Russia's embassy in London issued a statement on August 18 warning the UK over its supply of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to Ukraine, asserting that 'London's actions will be met with consequences they will have to answer for.' The statement accused the UK of 'deliberately escalating the Ukraine crisis' and playing a role as an 'accomplice' in Kiev's attacks.
Former Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrei Fedorov suggested that 'consequences' could include strikes, noting that many military experts in Moscow believe NATO would not respond forcefully if Russia attacked the UK, as 'Trump will not allow NATO to respond.'
The warning came after reports that Ukraine used long-range drones to strike strategic targets such as Russian oil refineries and logistics depots. An investigation by The Times found that drones manufactured by two British companies were used in some of these attacks.
On the night of August 18 and early morning of August 19, the Mayor of Moscow said Ukraine launched at least 637 drones toward the Russian capital, with 197 shot down by Russian air defense forces. Over the weekend, Ukraine also conducted one of its largest air strikes on Russia with 822 drones, killing 7 people.
The UK Ministry of Defence has not confirmed that its drones were used to strike Russian territory. However, British Prime Minister Andy Burnham insisted the government would continue to support Ukraine '100%.' Pensions Minister Lilian Greenwood also stressed the UK would 'stand with Ukraine,' warning Russia of London's resolve.
On military equipment, the UK announced a £752 million (nearly $1 billion) drone aid package for Ukraine, including 150,000 drones, some of which are long-range strike drones. London was also the first country to supply Challenger 2 tanks and Storm Shadow cruise missiles to Kiev.
Russian officials said drones containing British components or configurations were used to strike targets inside Russian territory, including the Kamensky factory in the Rostov region and warehouses of the retailer Wildberries in Yekaterinburg and east of Moscow. Ukraine claimed these warehouses were used to supply military components to Russia, but Moscow denied this.
On the possibility of direct confrontation, Russia has not specified the exact 'consequences' for the UK. Moscow could target British military or intelligence interests abroad, or intensify cyber attacks. Fedorov warned that Russia could consider the UK 'part of the war' and have the right to strike a country that supports Ukraine.
According to a former Russian official, experts in Moscow believe 'Russia could attack the UK and NATO would do nothing' because US President Donald Trump 'still holds the key in NATO.' However, triggering NATO Article 5 (an attack on one member is an attack on all) would be a major risk, while Article 4 only involves consultation in the event of a threat.
