Russia issues warning over British drones

Russia's embassy in London has warned that Britain will face consequences for supplying drones to Ukraine that are used to attack targets on Russian territory. In a statement posted on its Telegram channel, the embassy said: "London's actions will inevitably carry consequences for which it will have to answer." The statement added: "The deeper its involvement in the conflict and the greater its support for Kyiv's terrorist machinery, the higher the price it will pay."

The warning, reported by the Jerusalem Post on Tuesday, came in response to a report in the Times newspaper on Saturday which said British-made drones had been used for long-range strikes against Russia for the first time. Ukraine has been using deep-strike drones to hit oil refineries and logistics facilities.

Britain's Ministry of Defense did not confirm whether British drones had been used. The Jerusalem Post noted that the ministry declined to comment on the specific claim, and a defense ministry spokesperson, when asked about the Russian embassy's remarks, said: "Britain stands shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine, and we are committed to providing the equipment Ukraine needs to defend itself against Putin's illegal invasion."

In June, Britain said it would provide 150,000 drones to Ukraine by the end of 2026 as part of a £752 million funding package.

Since the start of Russia's war against Ukraine in 2022, Moscow has repeatedly warned Britain and other Western allies that their support for Kyiv, including the supply of equipment, could provoke retaliatory measures and increase the risk of a broader confrontation, as reported by the Jerusalem Post.

Ukrainian minister criticizes delays

In a separate development, a former Ukrainian minister has raised concerns about the pace of Western weapons deliveries, criticizing bureaucracy in the UK and other countries supporting Ukraine. Mykhailo Fedorov, who was sacked from his position, said he was grateful for British support but blamed "bureaucracy and red tape" for delays in receiving promised equipment.

"Governments are lagging behind the realities on the ground. It's not only the issue for UK, but for other countries as well that announce some assistance and we are not getting it until the end of the year," Fedorov said, as quoted by the BBC.

The UK is a longstanding supporter of Ukraine, spending £16bn supplying weapons since the war began, according to the BBC. It was confirmed last week that British-made drones have been used to attack Russian targets, the BBC reported.

Fedorov urged direct funding of the latest Ukrainian drone production, in place of outdated skills and equipment from other nations. "We don't need repairs of tanks when we no longer use tanks," he said.

He said timely deliveries would help save not just Ukrainian lives. "Unfortunately, our losses, our blood, our military experience is beneficial to all of you guys. You can get this experience for all the assistance that you give us," Fedorov added.

Fedorov on political future

Fedorov denied having immediate political ambitions but didn't rule out a future run for president, according to the BBC. He said a run would depend on relaunching the democratic election process, his energy, preserving his team, and whether he can handle the position.

"It will all depend on how soon we'll be able to relaunch this democratic election process, [...] how much energy I would have, whether I will preserve my team, whether I will be able to respond to the question myself, whether I can handle this position of the president or not," Fedorov said. "What's more important, is whether people will tell me, yeah, we can trust you handling that position."