By Arinzechi Chukwunonso
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has reaffirms the United Kingdom’s commitment to Ukraine after Russia warned of “consequences” over the use of British-made drones in recent Ukrainian strikes inside Russian territory.
Burnham said the UK would continue to support Ukraine, insisting that Britain would remain a “fair-weather” friend and stand with Kyiv for as long as necessary.
The statement follows a warning from the Russian embassy in London, which accused Britain of deliberately escalating the Ukraine conflict. Moscow said the deeper Britain becomes involved in the war, the greater the consequences it could face.
The BBC reports that British made drones have recently been used in Ukrainian attacks targeting military and industrial sites in Russia, including oil refineries and logistics facilities.
Ukraine has significantly increased its long-range drone attacks in recent days, with Russian officials reporting hundreds of drones targeting Moscow and other regions. Several people have reportedly been killed and injured in the attacks.
The latest escalation comes as Russia continues its own deadly strikes on Ukraine. Ukrainian officials say at least 17 people were killed in Russian attacks on Tuesday, including 10 people in the north-eastern village of Pechenihy.
Britain has been one of Ukraine’s strongest international supporters since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022. In April, the UK announced plans to provide Ukraine with tens of thousands of drones, including long-range strike systems.
Burnham also recently pledged continued British support to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and said the UK would share new electronic warfare technology with Kyiv to help counter Russian air defences.
Russia has repeatedly criticised Western military support for Ukraine and has previously warned Britain over its role in supplying weapons and drone technology to Kyiv.
