Russia Summons British Diplomat, Warns of Retaliation Over Ukraine Arms Aid

Russia's Foreign Ministry summoned British Charge d'Affaires Danae Dholakia on September 18, 2026, to lodge a formal protest against the United Kingdom's escalating military support to Ukraine. The ministry objected to increased supplies of drones and long-range weapons systems, stating that Britain's actions prolong the armed conflict and obstruct political settlement.

During the diplomatic démarche, Russian officials declared that any British military assets in Ukraine used to strike Russian territory are legitimate targets for Russian forces. Moscow stated it reserves the right to take necessary retaliatory measures within the scope of its right to self-defense and assigned full responsibility for further conflict deterioration to London. The British side was also presented with a list of allegedly violated international obligations and briefed on "comprehensive risks" associated with what Moscow characterized as destructive actions.

The protest follows Britain's August 24 authorization for the defense company MBDA to provide Ukraine with technical data on British components used in SCALP long-range missiles, enabling domestic assembly of the weapons. On August 28, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova warned of possible retaliatory strikes against British military targets in Ukraine. Russia characterized Britain's military assistance as complicit in what it described as war crimes and terrorism by the Ukrainian government.

According to Russian Permanent Representative to the OSCE Dmitry Polyansky, London announced plans in April to supply Ukraine with 120,000 drones in 2026, with more than 25,000 already delivered. Russia asserted that British-supplied drones used for strikes deep inside Russian territory constitute direct London involvement in the conflict. Russian officials also underscored their assessment that Russian military forces maintain strategic initiative in the conflict zone.