Lavrov warns UK faces war consequences over drone strikes

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov warned on Tuesday that the United Kingdom would be considered a direct participant in the war with Ukraine if it continues to supply long-range strike systems. The statement, made in an interview with journalist Pavel Zarubin, represents a significant diplomatic escalation from Moscow. It follows a media report that drones manufactured by British defense firm BAE Systems have been used in Ukrainian attacks on Russian territory.

Lavrov linked the threat to President Vladimir Putin's previous declarations about Russia's right to protect its interests globally. "We have every right to regard the proudly proclaimed direct involvement of British missile forces in strikes against Russia as participation in the war, with all the consequences that entails," Lavrov said. He also expressed what he described as pity for Britain if it maintains its stance of supporting Ukraine "to the very end."

The warning was amplified by the Russian Embassy in London, which issued a statement on Monday calling the UK an "accomplice and co-perpetrator" of Ukrainian attacks. The embassy warned that the deeper Britain's involvement, the higher a price it would have to pay.