Kathmandu— Russia has issued a stark warning to the United Kingdom, threatening unspecified “consequences” should London continue supplying drones allegedly used by Ukraine for strikes within Russia. The escalating tensions stem from accusations that Ukrainian forces have been targeting civilian infrastructure and causing casualties through indiscriminate attacks, with Moscow specifically citing the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) manufactured by British companies like BAE Systems in recent months. Russian officials claim these drones were involved in strikes on oil refineries and other sites across southwestern and northeastern Russia.

Escalating Accusations and Drone Involvement

Moscow alleges that Ukraine has utilized drones, including the jet-powered Nyan manufactured by a BAE Systems subsidiary, to conduct attacks over the past six months. These strikes reportedly targeted oil refineries in Volgograd and Yaroslavl, as well as other infrastructure. The Russian Embassy in London released a statement labeling the UK an “accomplice and co-perpetrator” in what it described as Ukraine’s “bloody crimes and terrorist attacks,” warning that increased British support for Kyiv would result in a higher price to pay.

Russian Warnings of Retaliation

Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that Russia reserves the right to act in any part of the world's oceans if its interests or property are threatened, and extended this principle to perceived direct British involvement in strikes against Russia. “The President [Vladimir Putin] has warned that we have the right to act in any part of the world’s oceans if anyone encroaches on our interests or our property,” Lavrov told VGTRK’s Pavel Zarubin. He added, “Likewise, 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.”

Ukrainian Strikes and Civilian Casualties

Ukraine has intensified its attacks in recent months, targeting Russian port infrastructure, energy sites, and warehouses. These strikes have not been limited to military targets; drones have also reportedly hit residential areas, including apartment buildings and houses. Recent incidents include an attack in Nizhnekamsk that killed 13 people, a strike on a Wildberries warehouse in Kotovsk resulting in seven deaths, and a college dormitory in Starobelsk where 21 people were killed, many of whom were young women.

The UK has reaffirmed its unwavering support for Ukraine despite the Russian warnings. The situation remains highly volatile, with potential for further escalation as both sides accuse each other of escalating the conflict.

(With inputs from RT)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.