‘We will be there in Ukraine’s hour of need’: UK PM Andy Burnham responds to Russia warning as Moscow, Kyiv up war tempo

New Delhi: The UK’s prime minister, Andy Burnham, said on Tuesday that Britain would continue supporting Ukraine despite Russia warning London of unspecified consequences over the reported use of British-made drones in strikes inside Russian territory. He said Britain’s policy remained to support Ukraine in defending itself against Russia’s invasion and would not change because of Moscow’s warning.

“We are not fair-weather friends. We will be there in Ukraine’s hour of need, and that won’t change,” Burnham said, reiterating Britain’s commitment to Kyiv.

His remarks came a day after Russia warned Britain over its reported involvement in Ukraine’s long-range attacks. As reported by RNA Media on Tuesday, Moscow had accused London of escalating the conflict after reports that British-made drones were used in recent Ukrainian strikes against targets deep inside Russia.

The Russian embassy in London said Britain’s actions would “inevitably carry consequences” and warned that the greater its involvement in the conflict, the higher the price it would face. Moscow did not specify what form those consequences could take.

Britain’s ministry of defence did not confirm that British made drones had been used in the attacks. It nevertheless said London remained committed to providing Ukraine with the equipment needed to defend itself against Russia.

Britain has been one of Ukraine’s major military supporters since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022. London has supplied Kyiv with weapons, including Storm Shadow missiles, and has trained Ukrainian troops. The British government also announced in June that it would provide funding for 150,000 drones for Ukraine by the end of 2026, as part of a £752 million package.

The latest dispute comes as Ukraine has expanded its use of long-range drones against targets well beyond the front line. Ukrainian forces have targeted Russian oil facilities, logistics sites and other infrastructure, including areas around Moscow.

Recent attacks have involved hundreds of drones. Russia said hundreds were intercepted during attacks around Moscow, while Ukrainian strikes have also hit targets in other Russian regions. The attacks have caused casualties and damage to industrial and commercial facilities, according to Russian authorities.

As RNA Media reported earlier, Ukraine is also developing and using its own long-range weapons, meaning its deep-strike campaign does not depend solely on western-supplied systems. The country has increasingly used domestically produced drones and missiles alongside weapons supplied by its allies.

The reported use of British made drones has added a new dimension to tensions between London and Moscow. Russia has repeatedly criticized Britain and other western countries for supplying weapons and other military assistance to Ukraine, arguing that such support increases their involvement in the war.

Britain, however, has maintained that its assistance is intended to help Ukraine defend itself. Burnham said the current policy was consistent with the position taken by previous British governments.

The exchange comes amid continued attacks by both sides. Ukraine has intensified strikes inside Russia while Moscow continues to launch missile and drone attacks against Ukrainian cities and infrastructure. A recent Russian strike on the Ukrainian village of Pechenihy killed 10 people, according to Ukrainian officials, while Russian authorities have reported deaths and injuries from Ukrainian drone attacks.

For now, neither side has indicated that the latest exchange will change its position. Moscow has warned Britain of consequences without specifying what action it may take, while Burnham has said London will continue supporting Ukraine.

The £752 million drone package announced in June forms part of Britain’s wider military support to Ukraine, which has included Storm Shadow missiles and training for Ukrainian troops.