UK Defies Russian Threats Over 270,000 Drones for Ukraine as Strikes Hit Russian Mainland
Updated
Updated · TIME · Aug 18
UK Defies Russian Threats Over 270,000 Drones for Ukraine as Strikes Hit Russian Mainland
3 articles · Updated · TIME · Aug 18
Summary
London said it "won't be bullied" after the Russian Embassy warned Britain "will pay" for supplying drones reportedly used in Ukrainian strikes inside Russia this week.
The warning followed reports that drones made by two British companies were used in mainland attacks for the first time since the 2022 full-scale invasion, deepening Moscow's claims that the U.K. is escalating the war.
Britain has already pledged 270,000 drones to Kyiv—120,000 announced in April and 150,000 more by end-2026—while saying the systems are critical to Ukrainian counterattacks and air defense.
The exchange came as long-range attacks intensified: Russian authorities said more than 600 drones were launched toward Moscow overnight, while Zelenskyy said a Russian strike killed 10 people in Kharkiv region.
Russia has repeatedly accused Britain of complicity in Ukrainian attacks, including over Storm Shadow missiles and earlier drone strikes, underscoring how Western military aid is becoming a sharper flashpoint.