Russia Labels UK 'Terrorism Accomplice' Over Drone Support for Ukraine

In response to Ukraine striking deep into the Russian mainland using British-made drones, Russia has designated the UK as an "accomplice in terrorism" and warned that it will face consequences.

In a statement released on the 17th local time, the Russian Embassy in the UK claimed that "the UK has chosen to intentionally escalate the situation in Ukraine," asserting that "through this, the UK is acting as an accomplice and co-perpetrator of bloody crimes and terrorist attacks."

It further threatened that "the actions of the UK will inevitably be followed by corresponding responsibility, and the deeper (the UK) intervenes in the conflict, the greater the price it will have to pay."

In response, a UK Ministry of Defence spokesperson stated, "The UK stands shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine," adding, "Russia should not doubt for a moment our government's resolve to counter both the invasion of Ukraine and attacks targeting the UK and our allies."

The spokesperson also added, "The UK is committed to providing the necessary equipment to enable Ukraine to defend itself against Russian President Vladimir Putin's illegal aggression."

Previously, the Sunday Times, the weekend edition of the British daily The Times, reported on the 15th that it was learned Ukraine has been carrying out "deep strike" operations targeting the Russian mainland using British-made long-distance drones over the past six months.

Following this, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova announced that drones utilizing British-made components were mobilized in the strike on Kamensky in Russia's Rostov Oblast, and a British military source also told the BBC that British drones were used in Ukraine's attacks against Russia.

The UK Ministry of Defence previously announced in April through its largest-ever support package that it would supply tens of thousands of drones to Ukraine, including long-distance strike aircraft.

Due to these operations, Russia has reportedly suffered economic damages exceeding approximately 67.2 trillion won in South Korean currency (approx. $48 billion) as oil refineries, naval bases, logistics hubs, and transportation networks were destroyed, with some regions even experiencing fuel shortages and rolling blackouts.

In particular, online retailer Wildberries, often called the "Russian Amazon," saw its logistics warehouses paralyzed as it repeatedly became a target of Ukrainian attacks.

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.