UK government hits back at Russia following threats of ‘consequences’

"Russia should be in no doubt about the resolve of this Government"

In a statement, the Russian Embassy in London said Britain was acting as “an accomplice and co-perpetrator of the bloody crimes and terrorist attacks”, warning that its actions “will inevitably carry consequences”.

The deeper Britain’s involvement in the conflict, the embassy added, “the higher the price it will pay”.

How the UK government responded to Putin

Work and Pensions Minister Lilian Greenwood said to Sky News on Tuesday that the UK will continue to “stand shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine”, despite the warning from Moscow.

“The Russians should be clear that our resolve remains that remains completely steadfast in backing our friends in Ukraine and providing them with the equipment that they need," she added.

A Ministry of Defence spokesperson declared in response to the threat that "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.

“Russia should be in no doubt about the resolve of this Government to stand against Russian aggression, in Ukraine and against the UK and our allies.”

Where the 'UK drones' have been used

The strikes have hit military and industrial sites, including refineries and warehouses belonging to Wildberries, the online retailer often described as Russia’s answer to Amazon.

Ukraine says seven of the company’s 10 largest logistics centres have been “disabled”.

Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said drones using British components had struck a fuel depot in the Rostov region.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Defence declared Britain stood “shoulder to shoulder” with Ukraine and remained “committed to providing the equipment Ukraine needs”.

It is the latest jolt in an increasingly tense relationship, one that has already featured Putin’s so-called doomsday radio station and RAF jets scrambled to meet a suspected Russian bomber near UK airspace.

Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 and controls roughly a fifth of the country.

Moscow has given no detail on what its response to the British-built drones might be.