Russia threatens Britain and says London 'will pay for giving Ukraine drones'

Published: 23:54, 17 August 2026 | Updated: 23:56, 17 August 2026 Russia has threatened Britain and said that it would 'pay' after Ukraine used UK-made drones to hit targets on Russian soil. Moscow's embassy in London blamed the UK for the 'escalation of the Ukraine crisis' after the drones were used on the territory for the first time. 'Reports that the Kiev regime is using British drones to carry out strikes deep inside Russian territory confirm that London is deliberately opting for an escalation of the Ukraine crisis, while hypocritically professing a desire for peace,' the embassy posted on Telegram.  'In doing so, the United Kingdom is acting as an accomplice and co-perpetrator of the bloody crimes and terrorist attacks committed by Ukrainian neo-Nazis, seeking to contain Russia and inflict maximum damage on it by proxy.  'London's actions will inevitably carry consequences for which it will have to answer. The deeper its involvement in the conflict and the greater its support for Kiev’s terrorist machinery, the higher the price it will pay.' It comes after Russian President Vladimir Putin threatened on Wednesday to seize British ships in the Pacific.  He framed the move as tit-for-tat if Andy Burnham orders the arrest of more Russian shadow fleet tankers carrying oil to boost Moscow's war coffers. The Kremlin's threat on Monday followed reports British drones were used to strike targets on Russian mainland on Sunday.  Prime Minister Andy Burnham spoke with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky during a visit to Portsmouth, England, in July British-made drones used by Ukraine for strikes on Russian territory include the Nyan - a jet-powered, carbon-fibre attack drone (pictured)  Drones made by two UK companies were supplied to Ukraine, whose forces deployed the weapons as part of its deep-strike campaign against Russian oil refineries. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's campaign against vital Russian resources has cost more than £35billion in economic damage, according to estimates, and has led to fuel shortages across the country.  British-made drones used by Ukraine for strikes on Russian territory include the Nyan – a jet-powered, carbon-fibre attack drone developed by Wiltshire-based Callen-Lenz, a subsidiary of BAE Systems, The Sunday Times first reported. The aircraft has a wingspan of more than 9ft and a reported range of more than 150 miles. It was reportedly used against Belgorod last year and has since formed part of Ukraine's expanding deep-strike campaign. Ukraine has deployed a second unidentified British-made drone, launched by catapult and capable of travelling more than 600 miles. British systems have reportedly participated in operations targeting Russian oil refineries and other infrastructure during the past six months. The disclosure over the use of British drones follows Ukraine's use of Storm Shadow missiles in the war, but stocks of these are limited and costs high compared with unmanned planes. The first known strikes took place in November 2024.  In October 2025, British Storm Shadow missiles were used by Ukraine to strike an important chemical plant that produces gunpowder in southern Russia. 'A massive combined missile and air strike was carried out, including the use of air-launched Storm Shadow missiles, which successfully penetrated the Russian air defense system,' Ukraine's General Staff said in a statement on X. 'This enterprise produces gunpowder, explosives, and components for rocket fuel, in particular for ammunition and missiles that the enemy uses to shell the territory of Ukraine,' the military said. Russian President Vladimir Putin met for a meeting at the Kremlin in Moscow in August Ukraine's general staff described the plant as a 'key facility' producing gunpowder, explosives and rocket fuel and said damage caused by the operation was being assessed. Images on social media claim to show flames billowing out of the facility. The Ukrainian air force, army and other units carried out the attack. Ukraine has mostly supplied its war effort with its own homemade drones in strikes on Russian territory. This comes due to difficulties around signing off the use of Western missiles. The UK, US and France have frequently given permission for such usage. However, low stockpiles, and US President Donald Trump's fears it may escalate the war, has slowed this down. Britain's support of Ukraine, and subsequent supply of weapons, has triggered numerous threats from Russian officials, including from the Russian president.