On August 25, 2026, former Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrei Fedorov issued a stark warning regarding the potential targeting of drone manufacturing facilities in the United Kingdom. This statement comes in light of the UK’s increasing military support for Ukraine amidst the ongoing conflict.
Warnings from Russian Officials
During an appearance on the BBC’s Newsnight, Fedorov indicated that Russian President Vladimir Putin is facing mounting pressure from both public opinion and the media to respond to the UK’s involvement in the war. He stated, «Something might happen with enterprises, with factories, which are producing drones for Ukraine. They could be attacked — not by Russia, but from unknown sources.»
Fedorov elaborated on the possibility of semi-military actions, including cyberattacks, which he attributed to «unknown sources, not official level, of course.» His comments reflect a growing concern within Russia regarding the UK’s role in supporting Ukraine’s military capabilities.
UK’s Military Support for Ukraine
This warning follows a recent agreement announced by British Prime Minister Andy Burnham during his visit to Kyiv. The agreement will enable the UK to provide Ukraine with classified technology to manufacture a British/French-designed cruise missile domestically. Since 2023, the UK has supplied Ukraine with British cruise missiles, and this new arrangement is expected to facilitate the production of the French SCALP missile, which incorporates British components.
Ukraine has been utilizing its own cruise missiles, known as the FP-5 or Flamingo, produced by the domestic defense manufacturer Fire Point. The SCALP missile, recognized for its precision, could enhance Ukraine’s ability to target more fortified locations, including Russian command posts.
Kremlin’s Response
Fedorov’s remarks come on the heels of a condemnation from Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, who criticized the UK-Ukraine agreement. Peskov stated that Russia’s military is actively gathering intelligence on potential production sites for the French missiles in Ukraine, indicating that these facilities could be targeted in future operations.
In a related development, the Russian embassy in London accused the UK of escalating the conflict, asserting that UK-made drones were employed in Ukrainian strikes within Russia. The embassy cautioned that increased British involvement would lead to heightened consequences.
UK’s Drone Support Expansion
The UK has significantly bolstered its drone support for Ukraine, with the British defense ministry announcing a support package in April that includes at least 120,000 drones to be delivered throughout the year. This package encompasses long-range strike, reconnaissance, and logistics drones.
During his address in Kyiv, Prime Minister Burnham reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to providing Ukraine with the necessary weaponry for its defense. He emphasized, «This is the moment to keep up the pressure on Russia, the moment to squeeze their ability to fund this illegal war. Ukraine has been Europe’s protector — not a drain on our security, but the front line in keeping Europe safe.»
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