Russia summons UK diplomat over Ukraine arms supplies

Russia summoned Britain's charge d'affaires in Moscow on Friday over UK arms supplies to Ukraine, accusing London of a confrontational stance and warning of possible countermeasures.

Russia's foreign ministry said British envoy Danae Dholakia was given a “strong protest” against what it called the continued escalation of supplies of drones and other weapons to Kyiv.

The ministry said Dholakia was told that Britain's stance on Ukraine was aimed at prolonging and escalating the war. It also said Russia reserved the right to take countermeasures in self-defence and considered any British military facilities in Ukraine used to launch strikes against Russian territory to be legitimate targets.

A British Foreign Office spokesperson said Russia was trying to deflect attention from its full-scale invasion of Ukraine and discredit the UK. The spokesperson said Britain was committed to providing equipment Ukraine needs to defend itself and would not reduce its support for what it called a just and lasting peace.

Britain this month announced it would commit 100 million pounds, or $135 million, to boost Ukraine's air defence capabilities this winter, including with Patriot missiles. It also said it would supply air defence interceptors, large-calibre artillery rounds and drones to a NATO programme supporting Kyiv.

Russia's war against Ukraine has lasted more than four-and-a-half years.