Britain will continue to support Ukraine despite Russian warnings of “consequences” following confirmation that British-made drones have been used in recent Ukrainian strikes against targets inside Russian territory.
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham said London would not back down from its support for Ukraine.
“We are not friends only in good times. We will be there in Ukraine’s hour of need, and that will not change,” Burnham said.
Earlier, the Russian Embassy in Britain accused London of “deliberately choosing escalation” in the war in Ukraine. It warned that the greater Britain’s involvement in the conflict, the higher the “price it will pay.”
Asked about the Russian threat, Burnham said Britain was providing Ukraine with support so that it could defend itself.
“This has been the British position throughout this conflict, including under previous prime ministers, and it remains so under me,” he said.
Ukraine has intensified drone attacks on Moscow and other targets deep inside Russian territory, particularly striking oil refineries and logistics facilities.
Russia has previously warned Britain over its role in supplying Ukraine with drone technology and Storm Shadow missiles.
The Russian Embassy said London’s actions would “inevitably have consequences for which it will have to answer,” without specifying what measures Moscow might take.
Britain has been one of Ukraine’s largest international supporters since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022. The British Ministry of Defence said the country remains committed to providing Ukraine with the equipment it needs to defend itself against Russian aggression.
Russia currently controls roughly one-fifth of Ukraine’s territory, while Russian forces have made limited progress along the front line in recent months.
Meanwhile, civilian casualties continue to rise. According to United Nations officials, 437 civilians were killed in Ukraine last month, the highest monthly death toll since May 2022.
