Russia has accused the UK of escalating the Ukraine conflict after confirming British-made drones were used in strikes on Russian territory.
Key facts
- •The Russian Embassy described the UK as a co-perpetrator of terrorist attacks due to the use of British drones.
- •Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated that drones with UK components were used to attack a fuel depot in the Rostov Region.
- •Ukraine has targeted Wildberries, a major Russian retailer, as part of its military operations.
- •Russia has occupied approximately 20% of Ukrainian territory since its full-scale invasion began in February 2022.
The Russian Embassy in the UK has accused Britain of acting as an accomplice in "bloody crimes" following reports that British-made drones were used to strike targets inside Russia. Russia warned that London's actions would carry consequences and that the UK would pay a price for its deepening involvement in the conflict.
UK Response to Russian Accusations
A spokesperson for the UK Ministry of Defence stated that Britain stands "shoulder to shoulder" with Ukraine. The spokesperson emphasized the government's resolve to oppose Russian aggression and confirmed the UK's commitment to providing equipment necessary for Ukraine to defend itself against the ongoing invasion.
Impact of Drone Strikes
The drones, manufactured by two British companies, have targeted military and industrial sites within Russia. These include refineries and logistics centers belonging to the online retailer Wildberries. Ukraine claims to have disabled seven of the company's 10 largest logistics centers. A military source confirmed to the BBC that these attacks have resulted in over £35 billion in economic damage.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by BBC World.
