Archive · 18 Aug 2026
UK Will Support Ukraine 100% Despite Russian Drone Warning, Burnham Says
There is a war between Russia and Ukraine that started in 2022.
Russia is warning Britain to stop helping Ukraine.
Russia is upset because a newspaper said British-made drones were used to attack places inside Russia.
The British Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, said Britain will keep helping Ukraine one hundred percent.
He said Britain is not a fair-weather friend and will be there when Ukraine needs help.
Russia said Britain's actions will bring consequences.
Britain did not confirm that its drones were used in the attacks.
Earlier this year, Britain promised to give Ukraine 150,000 drones by the end of 2026.
Russia has often warned Britain and other Western countries about supporting Ukraine.
Britain says it is helping Ukraine defend itself against what it calls an illegal invasion.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said Britain will support Ukraine “100%” against Russia's invasion and stand by it “in its hour of need.”
Moscow warned London of “consequences” over a Times report that British-made drones were used for long-range strikes against Russia for the first time.
The Russian embassy said “London's actions will inevitably carry consequences for which it will have to answer.”
Burnham called the war an “illegal war” led by Vladimir Putin and said Britain was “not fair-weather friends.”
Britain's Ministry of Defence did not confirm whether British-made drones were used; in June Britain pledged to provide 150,000 drones to Ukraine by the end of 2026.
- Who
- British Prime Minister Andy Burnham, Russian officials and the Russian embassy in London
- What
- Britain reaffirmed its full support for Ukraine after Russia warned of consequences over reports British-made drones were used in strikes on Russian territory
- When
- Tuesday, Aug 18
- Where
- London, in the context of the Russia-Ukraine conflict
- Why
- Russia warned that deeper British involvement would carry consequences, and Britain responded by reiterating its commitment to supporting Ukraine against what it calls Russia's illegal invasion
UK Position
Russian Position
Support for Ukraine
UK Position
Britain is doing what it long said it would do: supporting Ukraine 100% against an illegal war and providing equipment Ukraine needs to defend itself.
Russian Position
Britain is deepening its involvement in the conflict, and the more it supports Kyiv's “terrorist machinery,” the higher the price it will pay.
Use of British-made drones
UK Position
Britain's Ministry of Defence did not confirm whether British-made drones were used in strikes on Russia; Britain says it is committed to providing equipment Ukraine needs.
Russian Position
A Times report that British-made drones were used for long-range strikes on Russia for the first time shows Britain's deeper involvement, which will carry consequences.
- Prime Minister
- Andy Burnham
- Date
- Tuesday, Aug 18
- UK stance
- Support Ukraine “100%” against Russia's invasion
- Russian warning
- London's actions will “inevitably carry consequences”
- Trigger
- Times report that British-made drones were used in long-range strikes on Russia for the first time
- MOD response
- Did not confirm whether British drones were used
- June drone pledge
- 150,000 drones to Ukraine by the end of 2026 as part of a £752 million ($996 million) funding package