Russia warns UK after reports British-made drones hit Russia

Russia warned Britain on Monday that it would pay a "price" after the Sunday Times reported that UK-made drones supplied to Ukraine had been used in strikes deep inside Russia.

The newspaper reported that drones produced by two British companies had been used by Kyiv to hit military and industrial targets on Russian territory. It said one of the companies was a subsidiary of defence group BAE Systems and did not name the second company for security reasons.

Russia's embassy in London accused Britain of becoming "an accomplice and co-perpetrator" in the attacks and of choosing escalation in the conflict.

"The deeper its involvement in the conflict and the greater its support for Kiev's terrorist machinery, the higher the price it will pay," the embassy said.

Britain's defence ministry did not immediately respond to AFP's request for comment.

The UK has been one of Ukraine's strongest backers since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022, committing about £25 billion, or $33 billion, in support, including £16 billion in military aid. Ukraine has increased long-range strikes inside Russia in recent months, while Moscow has also intensified missile and drone attacks on Kyiv.