Andy Burnham has responded to Russia's threat that the UK will face consequences for its support of Ukraine, insisting Britain's backing is steadfast and not conditional.
Russia's Warning
Russia's embassy to the UK issued a statement on Monday, accusing Britain of seeking to 'contain Russia and inflict maximum damage on it by proxy.' The statement added: 'London's actions will inevitably carry consequences for which it will have to answer. The deeper its involvement in the conflict and the greater its support for Kyiv's terrorist machinery, the higher the price it will pay.'
The warning follows a report in the Sunday Times that Ukraine used drones made by two British companies in a deep strike campaign.
Burnham's Response
During a visit to Wolverhampton bus station, Burnham was asked for his message to Russian President Vladimir Putin. He said: 'This is the UK doing what it has long said it would do, which is to support Ukraine 100% against this illegal war led by Vladimir Putin.'
He added: 'We are providing support so that Ukraine can defend itself, and that's been the British position all the way through this conflict by previous prime ministers. It remains the case with me. We are not fair-weather friends. We will be there in Ukraine's hour of need, and that won't change.'
Threats from Russian Propagandists
Russian propagandist Vladimir Solovyov demanded on state television that British arms factories be targeted with Poseidon, an underwater nuclear drone reportedly near completion. 'Hit them with Poseidon,' he declared. 'Give the British three days to learn to breathe underwater, then hit them with Poseidon.'
Another Kremlin propagandist, Vladimir Kornilov, said Britain should be 'nervous' after the revelation that UK drones are striking deep inside Russia. He threatened: 'If British newspapers are boasting that their drones are already hitting civilian targets deep in Russia, then surely we can do the same.'
Ministry of Defence Response
A Ministry of Defence spokesperson responded to the embassy's statement, saying: 'Britain stands shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine and we are committed to providing the equipment Ukraine needs to defend itself against Putin's illegal invasion. Russia should be in no doubt about the resolve of this Government to stand against Russian aggression, in Ukraine and against the UK and our allies.'
Ukraine's long-range drone strikes are believed to target Moscow's revenue for the war and make Russian citizens feel the impact of the invasion. Ukraine launched three times as many strikes in July as in January, according to data from Acled, an independent conflict monitor. The attacks have forced Russia to stretch air defenses over a larger area.
Russia's Ministry of Defence said on Saturday it had shot down 598 Ukrainian drones over 19 regions, as well as the Black and Azov Seas and Crimea. On Monday, officials said Ukrainian long-range attacks killed seven people in Russia overnight, while five civilians died in Ukraine after strikes by Moscow's forces.
