UK Drone Factories Face Possible Threats
UK drone factories could face attacks from unidentified groups, according to former Russian deputy foreign minister Andrei Fedorov.
Fedorov made the comments during an interview with BBC Newsnight.
He discussed the UK’s decision to share blueprints for components used in British-made cruise missiles with Ukraine.
The former Russian official suggested that Moscow faces growing pressure to respond to Britain’s support for Kyiv.
Fedorov described a possible response as “semi-military”. He suggested that attacks could target factories producing drones for Ukraine.
He said such attacks might come from “unknown sources” rather than directly from Russia.
His comments have raised concerns over possible threats to British defence facilities and companies involved in supporting Ukraine.
Russia Criticises UK Missile Support
Britain has agreed to provide Ukraine with technical blueprints for components used in the Scalp missile.
Scalp is the French version of the Storm Shadow cruise missile. The agreement could allow Ukraine to manufacture the long-range weapon domestically.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov criticised the decision on Monday.
Peskov said the move could prevent progress toward peace. He also claimed that Russia was collecting information about missile production sites.
According to Peskov, Russian forces could target those facilities.
He also accused Britain of taking an active role in supporting Ukraine.
UK Says Support for Ukraine Will Continue
The British government has continued to support Ukraine as Russian attacks intensify.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said Britain would maintain pressure on Russia during a visit to Ukraine on Monday.
Burnham also said he planned to travel to the United States next month with other European leaders. The group aims to discuss Ukraine’s defence needs with President Donald Trump.
If the trip takes place, it would mark Burnham’s first visit to the United States since becoming prime minister.
During his Ukraine visit, Burnham met President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv.
He also chaired a meeting of the “coalition of the willing”, which Britain and France established to support Ukraine.
Ukraine Seeks More Patriot Missiles
Ukraine continues to rely heavily on American Patriot interceptor missiles.
The weapons play an important role in defending Ukrainian cities against Russian ballistic missiles.
However, Ukraine’s supplies have come under pressure as the wider conflict and other military demands increase.
Zelensky has said Ukraine wants to secure 300 Patriot missiles before winter.
Ukrainian officials expect Russia to increase attacks on energy infrastructure during the colder months.
Burnham said he remained confident that Ukraine could find a solution to its air-defence needs.
He also pointed out that the United States was not the only potential supplier.
“There are other players who could help in the mix who we have influence with,” Burnham said.
He added that solving the problem would likely require several countries and extensive negotiations.
Trump Raises Questions Over Patriot Production
The debate also comes after Trump questioned plans that could allow Ukraine to produce Patriot missiles.
Earlier this year, Trump said the United States had not agreed to give Ukraine permission to manufacture the weapons.
He warned that Washington needed to protect the technology behind the missile system.
Trump described the weapons as highly advanced and said the United States needed to remain careful about sharing the technology.
European Leaders Promise Continued Support
After the meeting in Ukraine, Burnham, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz issued a joint statement.
The leaders said strengthening Ukraine’s air defences remained an urgent priority.
They also condemned what they described as Russia’s escalating attacks on Ukrainian cities, infrastructure and civilians.
The leaders pledged to increase pressure on Moscow through sanctions and measures targeting Russia’s shadow fleet.
Burnham said Britain would continue supporting Ukraine for as long as necessary.
He also warned Russia that the UK would not abandon its support for Kyiv.
The comments come as tensions between Moscow and London continue to rise over Britain’s military and political backing for Ukraine.
